CCTV9英语新闻：中国与欧盟第五轮高级别战略对话在北京举行

Today marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and the European Union. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and EU leaders have exchanged congratulations. 

Meanwhile, high-level talks between the two sides have entered the second day in Beijing. Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi and EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini are leading their delegations, and both sides are calling for closer ties.

Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi (R) and Federica Mogherini, European Union (EU) High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission, attend a press conference after the fifth round of high-level strategic dialogue between China and the EU, in Beijing, capital of China, May 5, 2015. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

The two-day event comes 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. 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.

International security and foreign policy issues, as well as trade and financing, rank high on the agenda.

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

Both sides admit there are broader business opportunities, as well as obstacles.

The EU has been China's largest trading partner the past 10 consecutive years, and China is the EU's second largest trading partner.

Every single day China and Europe trade more than 1 billion Euros.

The establishment of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank could provide an additional stimulus for bilateral ties.

China believes that this round of dialogue will help increase mutual trust, cooperation and create favorable conditions for a lasting China-EU partnership of peace and growth.