Slovenia pledges to boost EU-China ties

BEIJING, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- Slovenia, in its capacity of the EU presidency, will make efforts to further strengthen the strategic partnership between the bloc and China, Slovenia's ambassador to China said in an article published Wednesday.

In the article carried by the English-language China Daily, Marjan Cencen wrote that Slovenia, as the current rotating presidency of the European Union (EU), will search for a balanced approach to EU's relations with China in political, economic and other fields to serve the interests of both sides.

The bloc's main priorities in this regard are strengthening the strategic dialogue mechanism, enhancing comprehensive bilateral relations, continuing to work with China on major international issues, improving two-way trade and investment ties, cooperating with China in tackling energy and climate issues and boosting human rights dialogue mechanism, the ambassador said.

In 2008, the 27-member bloc will introduce efforts to deepen knowledge and understanding of the EU among Chinese people. Meetings and forums are planned for Chinese students to learn more about this group, Cencen said.

The new year will also witness the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. The EU will participate in marking the 100-day countdown to the event by organizing in April a social event, Diplomats Running for Peace and Friendship, the diplomat said.

As for bilateral relations between Slovenia and China, Cencen said although the two countries are contrasting in size, their relations are very good.

The close bilateral ties, coupled with comprehensive EU-China cooperation in many areas, will provide a solid foundation for further enhancing the strategic partnership between the bloc and China, one of its important international partners, he added.