"The (EU) Council is strongly committed to the maturing of the EU's comprehensive strategic partnership with China," said the document issued by the foreign ministers, who gathered here for a two-day meeting.

On Monday afternoon, the ministers discussed the EU-China relations in general as the European Commission (EC) has tabled a policy paper on the EU-China relations, according to EU Council spokesman Nicolas Kerleroux.

"For this partnership to develop to its full potential, it must be balanced, reciprocal and mutually beneficial," said the 7-page document, which is titled "Council Conclusions on EU-China Strategic Partnership."

The ministers noted that the EU and China have important international commitments and responsibilities, adding that both should work hard to deliver them "in the interest of wider international security."

They also urged both sides to strengthen "an effective, fair, just and rules-based multilateral international system with the United Nations at its Center."

At the EU-China summit in October 2003, China and the EU decided to develop the comprehensive strategic partnership.

Through the document, the ministers extended their hope for "timely" conclusion of its talks with China on the new framework agreement.

"The (EU) Council looks forward to the timely conclusion of negotiations of the new comprehensive agreement," said the paper.

At the Ninth EU-China Summit in September in Helsinki of Finland, China and the EU agreed to launch the talks on the agreement, or the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement in the EU terminology, which is aimed to replace the current trade-focused one signed as early as in 1985.

The ministers noted that the future pact should encompass the "full scope of the bilateral relationship, including further strengthening of cooperation in political, trade and investment issues."

Earlier in October, European Commission, the EU's executive, issued a policy paper on the EU-China relations titled "EU-China, closer partners, growing responsibilities," which has set the priorities for the future agreement.

Speaking at a press conference after the meeting, EU external relations commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner will visit China on Jan. 16 and formally launch the talks on the PCA.

The ministers also extended their appreciation for China's constructive role in regional security and international thorny issues, like the nuclear issue in the Korean Peninsula, the Iran nuclear program and actively assistance to Africa.

The ministers recognized the Chinese government's success in developing economy and reducing poverty, hailing China's recent proposal of building "harmonious society."

On the cross-straits relations, the document said the EU "remains committed to the One China policy," welcoming initiatives by both sides aimed at promoting dialogue, practical cooperation and confidence building like agreement on direct flights, and reductions in trade barriers, investment and people-to-people exchanges.

The ministers, who discussed lifting of arms embargo against China over the lunch, reaffirmed their willingness to "carry forward work towards lifting the arms embargo."

Since the EU is the No. 1 trading partner of China and China is the second largest trading partner of the EU, the document highlights the importance of properly handling the trade and investment issue.

"The (EU) Council acknowledged that trade and economic relations are an increasingly important element of the larger relationship between the EU and China and bring benefit to both," said the document.