Brussels, January 30th, 2024
On the occasion of the Lunar New Year celebration, Her Excellency Dr. hc. Madame Violeta Bulc, Vice-Chair of the Europe-Asia Center, along with Mr. Matic Gajšek, Director for Europe of the Europe-Asia Center, engaged in a high-level dialogue with His Excellency Mr. Fu Cong, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary and Head of Mission of the People’s Republic of China to the European Union, to discuss the current state and prospects of EU-China relations.
During the exchange, Ambassador Fu Cong commended the longstanding friendship and cooperation between the Europe-Asia Center and the Chinese Mission, reaffirming his commitment to its continuation, sentiments echoed by Madame Bulc, who also expressed her dedication to fostering the ongoing relationship.
Ambassador Fu Cong underscored the significant importance China places on its relationship with the EU, emphasizing the multitude of shared interests and global challenges necessitating close collaboration. He categorically rejected any notion of rivalry between China and the EU, expressing hope for an increased focus on the partnership aspect of their relationship.
Madame Bulc emphasized the necessity for innovative approaches and multilateral cooperation to overcome historical legacies and tackle global challenges. She stressed the importance of building trust between the EU and China, highlighting the potential for collaboration to address numerous global challenges, specifically in domain of climate change. While acknowledging the gradual transition into a multipolar world, Madame Bulc expressed optimism in China’s ability to remain a cooperative partner, which would be most effective in reshaping prevailing narratives and overcoming fear-based paradigms.
Both parties reiterated their unwavering commitment to strengthening and deepening their relationship, with a shared dedication to addressing international challenges and fostering stability, sustainability, peace, and prosperity.
The high-level dialogue underscores the significance of nurturing diplomatic and societal ties between the EU and China, reflecting the mutual desire of both parties to building robust and constructive partnerships.
For press enquiries:
Matic Gajšek, Director for Europe, Europe – Asia Center
E-mail: m.gajsek(at)europe-asia.org