Press Release: Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner to visit China 16-18 January

The European Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy, Benita Ferrero-Waldner will visit Beijing 16-18 January 2007, to launch negotiations for a new Partnership and Co operation Agreement (PCA) between the EU and China, delivering on the commitment made by European and Chinese leaders at the EU-China Summit in Helsinki in September 2006. To mark this important step in EU-China relations, she will meet leading members of the Chinese administration, including the second highest ranking Chinese Leader, Wu Bangguo, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, State Councillor Tang Jiaxuan, Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing, and Trade minister Bo Xilai. The new PCA will encompass the full scope of bilateral relations with China, including enhanced co operation in political matters, and will update the existing 1985 Trade and Economic Co operation Agreement. During her trip the Commissioner will also take the opportunity to underscore the importance of co operation on energy security and the environment.