CCTV9英语新闻：中国总理会见欧盟外交政策负责人

Forty years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the EU, leaders of both sides are praising the progress made over the past four decades. 

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang met in Beijing with visiting EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini, who is attending the Fifth Strategic Dialogue between China and the EU. 

Premier Li said China hopes to speed up the negotiation process of the Bilateral Investment Treaty between China and the EU. 

The EU foreign policy chief said she is looking forward to the upcoming China-EU summit in June to strengthen cooperation in various fields.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (R) meets with Federica Mogherini, European Union (EU) High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission, in Beijing, capital of China, May 6, 2015. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

The high-level talks between the two sides have wrapped up in Beijing, with both sides calling for closer ties.

The two-day event came as China and the EU celebrate 40 years of diplomatic ties and ahead of a new round of negotiations next month on an investment treaty.

Trade relations between China and the EU have expanded tremendously since the two sides established diplomatic ties, from US$2.4 billion in 1975 to US$615-billion in 2014.

State Councilor Yang Jiechi emphasized the important timing of the dialogue.

"This round of talks comes as the two sides celebrate the 40 years of China-EU diplomatic ties, and that's the reason to celebrate. We had very pragmatic talks and exchanged ideas on international and regional issues of common concern," Yang said.

Both sides admit there are broader business opportunities, as well as obstacles.The main bumps on the road would also involve trade. Brussels is worried about China's desire to displace European products with its own exports, in areas ranging from sophisticated telecom networks to solar panels. But China is calling for fair treatment for its products on the European continent.

Chinese officials reiterate that China is not merely a bulk buyer of raw materials or a manufacturer of consumer goods.

Brussels's approach to expanding ties has so far been rooted in slow-moving negotiations on the more technical issues of trade and investment.