China says ties with Europe important

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HAMBURG, Germany, Nov. 29 (UPI) -- The China-Europe relationship has become increasingly important in the world, Chinese Science and Technology Minister Wan Gang said in Germany.

Speaking in Hamburg, Wan said his country is willing to work with Europe to fully tap the potential of mutually beneficial cooperation and push the relationship to a new level, the official Xinhua News Agency reported.

The European Union has become China's largest trading partner, with annual two-way trade estimated at more than $365 billion.

Wan, stressing the relationship between the two sides has become one of the most important in the world, said, "The economic and trade cooperation between the two sides has brought substantive benefits to both parties."

He said the European debt crisis has deepened the interdependence of Chinese and European economies and that their cooperation has played a positive role in uplifting the gloomy world economy.

Wan said at the 18th Chinese Communist Party Congress earlier this month the party chartered a new course for the future development of the country that will provide more room for cooperation with other countries. He said China will steadfastly uphold and deepen its policy of opening up and reform, Xinhua reported.

Earlier, during talks with Wan, German Education and Research Minister Annette Schavan said the strategic partnership between Germany and China carries important significance, and the two sides should intensify cooperation and confront global challenges.