Chairman ZHANG Yi Meets with Mr. Jose Manuel Barroso
2017-05-29
On May 28th, 2017, Chairman ZHANG Yi met with Mr. Jose Manuel Barroso, Former President of the European Commission at the breakfast meeting of 2017 Horasis Global Meeting, which was held in Cascais, Portugal. Mr. ZHANG Yi discussed with Mr. Barroso as for the issue of promoting Sino-European partnership on urbanization through the channel of non-governmental diplomacy. Mr. Barroso acknowledged Mr. ZHANG Yi’s proposals and indicated his support.
Mr. ZHANG Yi and Mr. Jose Manuel Barroso
Mr. Jose Manuel Durao Barroso was born in March, 1956 in Lisbon, Portugal and is an outstanding statesman of Portugal and EU. Mr. Barroso studied laws at the University of Lisbon and studied laws and politics in Florence, Italy and New York, U.S. as well. In 1978, he had the Master of Science in Economic and Social Sciences from the University of Geneva. In 1985, Mr. Barroso was elected as the Member of Parliament of Portugal. In 1987, he served as Secretary of State of External Affairs and Cooperation. In 1992, he became the Minister of Foreign Affairs. In April, 2004, he assumed the post of Prime Minister of Portugal. In November, 2004, Mr. Barroso became President of European Commission and left the post in October, 2014. During his reign as President of European Commission, Mr. Barroso was actively engaged in the promotion of the cooperation with mutual benefits between EU and China, and has made a series of important achievements. Mr. Barroso and Mr. ZHANG Yi are co-chairs of 2017 Horasis Global Meeting.
At the breakfast meeting of May 28th, Mr. Barroso delivered the keynote speech as for the future of Europe. Mr. Barroso carried out the incisive analysis of the challenges EU is facing and the future of EU. He expounded the current problems of EU from the macro level of the world structure, and demonstrated the related counter-measures from the micro level of the actual situations of the concerned countries. He pointed out that, although EU is confronted with various challenges, he consistently believes that EU will surely become stronger and more confident through current hardships, and become the global benchmark of the harmonious progress various European countries jointly make in the aspect of politics, economy and society.
Mr. Jose Manuel Barroso at His Speech
Mr. ZHANG Yi introduced to Mr. Barroso the current work undertaken by ECMDC in implementing Sino-European partnership on urbanization in the capacity of a European NGO. Mr. Barroso remarked, the relationship between Europe and China is of vital importance. He was glad to know that since the publication of Joint Declaration on China-EU Partnership on Urbanization, which was signed by him and the then Vice Premier LI Keqiang on May 3rd, 2012, there have been lots of achievements in the related cooperation. Mr. Barroso said, it is expected to have more and more cooperation platforms and channels to facilitate Sino-European partnership on urbanization. It is highly appreciated that the good will of cooperation be turned into the cooperation projects with mutual benefits through joint efforts. Mr. Barroso wished that ECMDC make greater contribution in this lofty cause.
Mr. ZHANG Yi introduced his presence at the Belt and Road Forum. Mr. Barroso believed that the Belt and Road Initiative is an effective action plan to promote the economic globalization. The mutual trust and the cooperation with mutual benefits among different countries are the conditions to better the world, in which all the concerned countries can finally actualize the mutual prosperity. Mr. Barroso remarked, Sino-European partnership on urbanization will surely become the shining point of Sino-European cooperation within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, from which China and European countries will benefit.
Mr. ZHANG Yi extended his invitation to Mr. Barroso, and asked him to attend the activities organized by ECMDC to promote Sino-European partnership on urbanization in due time. Mr. ZHANG Yi expected Mr. Barroso to grant his support. Mr. Barroso gladly received the invitation and indicated his willingness to support the related activities of ECMDC.