People-to-people exchanges should be further boosted between China and the European Union in order to build a partnership of peace, growth, reform and civilization, Vice-Premier Liu Yandong said on Sept 15.

Liu made the remarks during a meeting with Vice-President of European Commission Kristalina Georgieva in Brussels, as part of her trip to Belgium, the European Union headquarters, and the United Kingdom this week to promote people-to-people exchanges and dialogues.

“This year marks the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and the EU, which has reached new levels and now faces new development opportunities,” Liu said.

“China will work with the EU to advance bilateral exchanges and dialogues, an important pillar for future cooperation,” she said.

Georgieva said the EU, satisfied with the process of the China-EU exchanges and dialogue so far, hopes it will play a more important role in furthering bilateral ties.