SINGAPORE — China and the European Union (EU) agreed on August 3 to join hands to promote multilateralism and support free trade.

The agreement came as State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Federica Mogherini, the high representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Council on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) foreign ministers’ meeting and related meetings.

Wang said the leaders of China and EU had held successful talks in Beijing not long ago and the two sides reached consensus on safeguarding the rule-based multilateral trade system and resisting trade protectionism and unilateralism.

Facing the uncertainty and instability in the international situation, enhancing strategic communication and cooperation between China and EU, two forces for stabilization, and firmly supporting multilateralism as well as international rules are not only in line with the interests of the two sides, but also conducive to maintaining world peace and stability.

For her part, Mogherini said EU and China are long-term friends.

EU treats China as a major and key strategic partner and will not adopt any policy against China, Mogherini said.

EU stands with China in promoting multilateralism and supporting free trade, said she, adding that EU is willing to further enhance strategic communication and cooperation with China.

During their meeting, the two sides also exchanged views on the Iran nuclear issue.