On her first day in office, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen spoke with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang via phone. The European leader spoke highly of the relationship between Europe and China.

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Both sides also vowed to further promote ties and strengthen cooperation in major issues, including climate change.

China will continue to fulfill its pledge in the Paris Agreement, said Premier Li, promising to make the "utmost effort" in climate change issues. He added that the country will continue to better its environment through the process of industrialization, urbanization, and agricultural modernization.

The Chinese Premier also congratulated von der Leyen on her inauguration, while pointing out that China will continue to firmly support the process of European integration.

Both sides uphold multilateralism and free trade with great determination, he said.

Von der Leyen: EU attaches great importance to EU-China ties

The phone call was made the first day she took office, and this shows the great importance the European Union (EU) attaches to EU-China relations, von der Leyen said.

The next year will be a milestone in the development of EU-China relations and the two sides will witness a series of major high-level exchanges, she noted, delivering her interest in coming to China next year for the 22nd China-EU leaders' meeting.

The European leader spoke highly of China's efforts in climate change, saying that the new European Commission will make this issue a priority.

The commission is willing to strengthen cooperation with China concerning issues such as climate change and reforming the World Trade Organization to promote the continuous development of the EU-China relations, she said.