EU, China agree to step up cooperation against extremism, terrorism

The European Union and China have agreed to increase cooperation against extremism and terrorism in the Middle East, Northern Africa and the Sahel.

The trio met in the margins of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) summit in Milan.

According to a statement issued by the European Council, both sides had “an open and constructive discussion” on EU-China relations as well as global and regional issues.

Both sides underlined the importance they attach to the EU-China Strategic Partnership and their will to continue developing and strengthening it in all its dimensions, including human rights, the EU statement said,

On foreign policy issues, the trio had a thorough and consensual discussion on the situation in Ukraine.

They agreed on the importance of restablishing peace and stability in this country in accordance with UN principles. They reviewed the situation in the Middle East, Northern Africa and the Sahel and agreed to increase cooperation to counter the common threat of extremism and terrorism in these regions.

The EU and China reaffirmed their commitment to finalise as early as possible negotiations on an ambitious bilateral investment agreement, which promotes open markets and a level playing field.

Both sides stressed the crucial importance of their trade and investment relationship.

The two sides underlined their commitment to a successful outcome of 21st Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP21) in Paris in 2015.

“Both presidents assured of the EU's commitment to maintain the level of engagement with the Chinese leadership. The Chinese Premier welcomed this and expressed the readiness of his country to continue strengthening the dialogue and relations with the European Union,” it concluded.