Press Release: EU and China to agree on opening negotiations for a new comprehensive framework agreement

The 9th Annual EU-China Summit will take place on 9 September 2006 in Helsinki. Leaders will discuss the full range of bilateral and international issues, with particular focus on strengthening co-operation to address some of today’s key global challenges. They will discuss the environment and climate change, readmission, human rights, and economic and trade questions, including improved EU access to the Chinese market. They will also cover energy security, where both sides recognise the importance of working closely together and on the importance of a rules-based market approach. EU and China will exchange views on regional and international issues, including East Asia, Africa, Iran, North Korea, Burma/Myanmar and the Middle East. It is expected that leaders will agree to launch negotiations for a new framework agreement to reflect the full depth and breadth of this growing partnership.