The Chinese government has appointed its first special representative on European affairs, amid expanding cooperation and exchanges between China and European countries over trade, culture and a wide variety of fields. 

Senior diplomat Wu Hongbo, a former UN under-secretary-general and former Chinese ambassador to Germany and Philippines, has been named as the first special representative, the Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang announced Friday. 

Wu will assist the Foreign Ministry in coordinating Europe-related affairs, promoting high-level exchanges, participating in important exchanges and cooperation between China and Europe in various areas.

"China and Europe, as two important geopolitical powers...share common interests in safeguarding multilateral free trade and in building an open world economy," Geng said. 

Stressing that China is highly committed to deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership with EU, he expressed confidence in the role of a special representative in strengthening mutual trust and pushing forward the bilateral ties into a new stage of development. 

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