(IRNA) - The European Union Foreign Ministers Council meeting in Brussels Monday said EU and China have important international commitments and responsibilities, and must both work hard to deliver them in the interest of wider international security and stability.
The Council in a statement welcomed "the association of China to the diplomatic efforts initiated by the EU to resolve the nuclear issue in Iran, reports Trend.
It also appreciated the positive role assumed by China on the North Korean nuclear issue.
The ministers said the EU-China strategic partnership should strengthen an effective, fair, just and rules-based multilateral international system, with the United Nations at its centre.
The Council said it intends to begin as soon as possible the dialogue on Africa with China.
"This is an area of key strategic interest to both the EU and China," it noted.
The Council reaffirmed its willingness to carry forward work towards lifting the EU arms embargo on China.