(VOVWORLD) -The Summit between China and the European Union (EU) will take place on Thursday in Beijing, said the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday.
The leaders of the two sides will discuss directions, strategic issues and global issues of mutual concern in China-EU relations, with a view to drawing up detailed plans, identifying priorities and creating momentum for bilateral relation development.
Chinese President Xi Jinping will meet European Council President Charles Michel and European Commission (EC) President Ursula von der Leyen. Meanwhile, Chinese Premier Li Qiang will co-chair the Summit with two EU leaders.
Speaking at a regular press briefing in Beijing on Monday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin emphasized the annual meeting mechanism, which he said can play the important role of carrying forward the past and ushering in a new future for China-EU relations.
He said that amid accelerated changes unseen in a century, a turbulent international situation, lack of momentum of growth in the world economy and rising global challenges, there are both opportunities and challenges in China-EU relations.
China and Europe are partners, not rivals, and that their common interests far outweigh their differences, according to Wang.