AKIPRESS.COM - Chinese President Xi Jinping has paid a visit to the EU headquarters in the Belgian capital, Brussels. Looking to boost ties with the EU, President Xi met with a host of senior officials from the European Union, discussing a number of global issues, Xinhua reported.

During a meeting with European Council President Herman Van Rompuy, the Chinese President called for forging major partnerships for peace, growth, reform and civilization between China and the EU.

Xi Jinping said China views the EU from a strategic perspective, supports Europe's integration, and is willing to expand and deepen its comprehensive strategic partnership with the EU.

Van Rompuy responded that the EU is ready to speed up negotiations on its investment pact and free trade agreement with China, and is willing to expand bilateral cooperation in areas such as urbanization and sustainable development.

During his meeting with the President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz, Xi Jinping said China is willing to enhance parliamentary and party-to-party exchanges with the EU.

The Chinese president stressed mutual trust as the basis of the China-EU relationship. He said despite different development paths, the persistent pursuit of peace and prosperity was the common goal of both sides. Xi Jinping said China gives high recognition to the European Parliament and that China is willing to enhance communication with the legislative body.

Schulz said the European Parliament supports launching a political dialogue with China and enhancing mutual trust and understanding.

The Chinese President also met with Jose Manuel Barroso, president of the European Commission, and called for developing win-win cooperation between China and the EU.

During their talks, Xi Jinping stressed that China and the EU can share benefits from economic globalization. He said both sides should seize opportunities brought about by China's development and Europe’s economic recovery. They should also fulfill the 2020 strategic plan for China-EU cooperation and achieve more comprehensive, more powerful and higher level cooperation.

Barroso, in turn, expressed willingness to expand cooperation on urbanization and innovation.