EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton said Monday that she believes a strong EU-China cooperation could bring concrete solutions in foreign and security areas as the two sides face common challenges and share similar goals.

"I look forward to working together with State Councillor Dai Bingguo in order to advance a constructive and cooperative relationship with China, a key strategic partner for Europe in a globalised world," said Ashton, high representative for foreign affairs and security policy.

The EU and China have shown a common will to deepen bilateral relations on foreign and security matters such as the Korean Peninsula, Iran, Africa and piracy in the Gulf of Aden.

Ashton travels to China this week to attend the first ever EU-China high level partnership dialogue, a key staging post ahead of the upcoming Gymnich informal foreign ministers meeting and summit of EU leaders.

Last May, Ashton and State Councillor Dai Bingguo, China's most senior interlocutor on Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, agreed to co-chair the EU-China High-Level Strategic Dialogue, which is designed to address issues of concern and mutual interest through frank and constructive engagement at the highest level.

Ashton will meet other Chinese leaders including Premier Wen Jiabao and Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi with whom she hopes to advance and deepen relations on international issues such as the global economy, climate change, trade and development ahead of the EU-China summit on Oct. 6.

Ashton will also visit the EU Pavillions at Shanghai World Expo and meet Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero and Foreign Minister Miguel Moratinos who are also visiting China.

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