Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao stressed yesterday the comprehensive and strategic partnership between China and the European Union (EU).

"Comprehensive" means the promotion of political trust and mutually beneficial cooperation, and "strategic" requires that both sides make concerted efforts in a far-sighted way to ensure the lasting, stable and healthy development of China-EU relations, Wen said.

The premier made the remarks in his meeting with former president of European Commission also former prime minister of Italy Romano Prodi.

Wen highlighted the recent growth in China-EU cooperation, noting that China will firmly support the EU's integration process and welcomes the EU to play a more active role in dealing with international issues.

"We cherish the hard-won achievements on China-EU relations and are willing to further trust and cooperation with the EU based on mutual respect, equality and reciprocity," Wen told Prodi.

Wen also called on the two sides to join hands to tackle global challenges and overcome the current difficulties over the world's finance and economy.

Echoing Wen's views, Prodi spoke highly of the Beijing Olympic Games and the measures adopted by China to handle the international financial crisis.

He said China is playing a brand new and positive role in world affairs and he would continue to contribute his efforts to boost mutual understanding and cooperation between the EU and China.