Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi holds talks with Slovenian President Borut Pahor in Ljubljana, Slovenia, December 14, 2019. （Photo via fmprc.gov.cn）

China and the European Union (EU) view each other as cooperation partners rather than rivals, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday, hailing the significant and constructive role Slovenia plays in cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries and the development of China-EU relations.

Wang made the remarks while meeting Slovenian President Borut Pahor during his visit to the country, the first visit by a Chinese foreign minister since 2008. 

Both China and Slovenia stand for promoting democracy in international relations, uphold multilateralism and remain committed to resolving disagreement through dialogue, Wang pointed out, adding this is the foundation for enhanced political mutual trust and advanced mutual cooperation between the two sides. 

For his part, Pahor spoke highly of China's stance that all countries, big or small, are equals. He appreciated China's support for multilateralism and mutually beneficial state-to-state relations. 

"Some see China's development as a threat, this is completely wrong," Pahor emphasized.

Slovenia is willing to keep in close communication with China, further expand the cooperation in areas such as economics and trade, technology, culture and education, and deliver more benefits to our peoples, Pahor added.

China, Slovenia support jointly building BRI 

Wang also held talks with Slovenian Prime Minister Marjan Sarec on the same day in the capital Ljubljana. 

Wang called for more efforts to promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, 17+1 cooperation and building of China-EU partnership for peace, growth, reform and civilization, as there are three engines for coordinated development strategies. 

In response, Sarec showed his willingness to actively support jointly building the Belt and Road by means of strengthening cooperation in the field of infrastructure, suggesting to set up a deep seaport as a demonstration project for Belt and Road cooperation between the EU and China.