EU-China summit to yield closer cooperation on science and technology
Following the eighth EU-China Summit in Beijing on 5 September, the two international partners have endorsed a joint statement on cooperation in space exploration, science and technology development. The meeting was attended by Premier Wen Jiabao representing the State Council of China, and by Commission President José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Council Tony Blair, and High Representative of the EU Common Foreign and Security Policy Javier Solana for the EU. The leaders of the two sides celebrated the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the EU and China, and welcomed the progressive deepening of that relationship, which they agree is fast maturing into a comprehensive strategic partnership. As well as issuing the joint statement on cooperation in space exploration, science and technology, both sides also confirmed their intention to strengthen the China-EU Science and Technology (S&T) partnership. Furthermore, they agreed to create the appropriate conditions for a series of S&T events in China and Europe starting in 2006 in order to prepare for a 'China-EU science and technology year'. Both parties expressed their satisfaction regarding China-EU cooperation within the Galileo satellite navigation programme, and discussed China joining the European GNSS supervisory authority and the participation of Chinese enterprises in the Galileo Operation Concessionaire. The two sides also looked forward to the early implementation of the ITER programme and further strengthening their cooperation in this field. Finally, the leaders welcomed exchanges between scholars and think-tanks from the two regions, including cooperation between the China Institute of International Studies, the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and the relevant European research institutions.
Countries
China