BEIJING, July 10 (Xinhua) -- China and the European Union (EU) pledged Tuesday to set a good example for international cooperation in the 21st century.

The two sides made the pledge in a joint press release issued after the third China-EU high-level strategic dialogue. The dialogue was held in Beijing on Monday and Tuesday and was co-chaired by State Councilor Dai Bingguo and Catherine Ashton, EU high representative for foreign affairs and the European Commission's vice president.

"The two sides spoke highly of the positive role that the China-EU high-level strategic dialogue has played over the past three years in increasing understanding, trust and cooperation between China and Europe," the release said.

China and the EU share broad common interests and are increasingly interdependent in a changing world, the release said. Both sides agreed to "be open to new ideas for working together effectively and remain committed to being a good example for international cooperation in the 21st century," it said.

In the release, China and the EU vowed to continue to consolidate their comprehensive strategic partnership on the basis of mutual respect and mutual benefit.

"China reaffirmed its support for European integration, Europe's efforts to solve its debt crisis and the stability of the eurozone," said the release, adding that the EU reaffirmed its support for China's peaceful development and respect for China's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The two sides agreed that they will address their differences and concerns in a constructive manner, the release said.

China and the EU will intensify dialogue on global and regional issues of common concern, including regular consultations at all levels, as well as increase contacts between special representatives and special envoys, said the release.

During the dialogue, the two sides also agreed to hold regular talks on defense and security policy and stressed their willingness to strengthen cooperation in protecting ships from pirates, according to the release.

"The China-EU relationship has witnessed positive progress in recent years, which has become a successful example of exchanges and cooperation between nations with different social systems and historical and cultural backgrounds," said Premier Wen Jiabao as he met with Ashton.

Wen said the efforts to address the international financial crisis and the European debt crisis have helped the relationship between China and the EU to become more mature and stable.

During the meeting, Wen reaffirmed that China will back Europe's measures to boost market confidence and called for closer cooperation between the two sides in infrastructure, investment, finance, new technology and environmental protection.

"China and Europe are highly complementary in economic terms and their economies are become more and more interdependent," Wen said, adding that the two sides should keep their markets open and seek a mutually beneficial situation.

Ashton said facts have shown that Europe and China can join hands to address challenges together and achieve common development on the basis of mutual respect and mutual benefit.

The EU side cherishes its ties with China, she said, adding that the EU is ready to work together with the Chinese side to enhance mutual trust, boost cooperation and further advance the EU-China relationship in a sustainable way.