(VOVworld) - Top diplomats from China and the European Union pledged closer co-operation for security, peace, and free trade at the Seventh EU-China Strategic Dialogue in Beijing on Wednesday. 

Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang meets with EU foreign policy Chief Federica Mogherini on Tuesday (Source: Reuters)

Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi said China and the EU need to strengthen cooperation for their shared mutual interests and the development of international political and economic relations. EU foreign policy Chief Federica Mogherini said China and the EU have a big responsibility in times of uncertainty. She said she hopes the two sides will cooperate on a positive agenda for the benefit of their citizens and the world. The two sides discussed the war in Syria and rising tensions on the Korean Peninsula as North Korea accelerates its nuclear weapons development.