Both China and Europe have direct interests in the Middle East and the Mediterranean.For China,with the growth of the Chinese economy and the dawning of the new century,the Middle East-Mediterranean has gradually become a region of strategic importance. But Europe has had important economic and trade,social and political as well as strategic and security interests in the region.Because of differences in history,geographical position and priority order for internal and external policies,the interests of China and Europe in the Middle East-Mediterranean are not wholly identical,but a stable and peaceful Middle East is obviously in the interests of both sides——although there may exist great differences in the definition of stability and peace and in the policies adopted for their realisation;however,these should in no way become the obstacle for Sino-European cooperation.The two sides should cautiously push forward the economic and political transformation in the Middle East and North Africa,actively promote reconciliation and peace in the whole region,initiate multilateral cooperation and establish an all-round collective security.
