Wen and Barroso made the announcement at a press conference here after talks.

    The dialogue will be co-hosted by Chinese Vice Premier Wang Qishan and EU trade commissioner Peter Mandelson on Friday afternoon.

    In his two-hour long talk with Barroso, Wen said that the Sino-EU high-level economic and trade dialogue would become an important platform to realize mutual benefits and joint success.

    Wen said the EU is China's largest partner for economic, trade, scientific and technological cooperation, and that Sino-EU practical cooperation has brought about great benefits for both sides.

    China and EU have established over 40 dialogue and consultation channels in politics, economy, finance, technology, energy and education, among others.

    "It was in the common interests of both sides to strengthen cooperation between China and the EU," said Wen.

    He noted that mutual benefits between the two sides greatly outweigh the contradictions and differences, and with respect and trust, the China-EU relationship would have to be further developed.

    Wen said understanding and trust between EU and China have been greatly strengthened in the past decade, and they will be further reinforced in the upcoming dialogue.

    Wen and Barroso also reached extensive consensus on various areas during their talks.

    They agreed to expand economic and trade cooperation between the two sides and jointly promote the Doha round talks process, and to continue to promote Sino-EU comprehensive strategic partnership and maintain high-level contacts and consultations at various levels.

    The two pledged to insist on dialogues and consultations to properly handle differences, based on the principle of equity, openness and mutual benefits.

    They agreed to upgrade the mode for scientific and technological cooperation, and strengthen cooperation on energy saving, emission reduction, environmental protection, climate change and technological innovation.

    The two countries will also deepen cooperation on product quality and food safety, in an effort to safeguard the basic interests of the two peoples, and will promote people-to-people communication and youth exchange, according to the two leaders.

    Barroso arrived here on Thursday as a guest of Wen. This is his fourth visit to China since he took office in November 2004.

    A big delegation of unparalleled seniority will accompany Barroso during this visit, which includes nine commissioners covering the areas of environment, science and research, external relations, trade, energy, tax and customs union, development and humanitarian aid, jobs and social affairs, and consumers protection.

EU reiterates support for China's territorial integrity

BEIJING, April 25 (Xinhua) -- The European Union (EU) supports China's territorial integrity and deems Tibet is part of China, EU Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso reiterated on Friday.

Barroso made the remarks at a news conference after meeting with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao. Full story

EU leader Barroso visits China with large delegation at special time

    BEIJING, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Jose Manuel Barroso, the European Union (EU) Commission president, arrived here on Thursday afternoon, starting a China visit at a time of several Sino-EU disagreements.

    During his three-day tour, Barroso will meet with Chinese President Hu Jintao and talk with Premier Wen Jiabao. He will also attend a picture exhibition and a seminar on climate change.

    The first China-EU High Level Economic and Trade Dialogue will also take place during his Beijing stay. Chinese Vice Premier Wang Qishan and EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson will co-host the dialogue. Full story