HELSINKI, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on Tuesday called for proper handling of the trade disputes and frictions between China and the European Union (EU).

    Wen made the call in a speech entitled "Enhance Cooperation to Make Win-win Progress" at the 2006 China-Europe business summit, highlighting the principle of mutual respect and consultation based on equality.

    Recent years have seen some increase in China-EU trade frictions, said Wen, noting that China-EU trade relations as a whole remain sound.

    According to Wen, China runs both a big surplus and a big deficit in trade, and to maintain a good trading environment "serves the common interests of both parties in trade."

    "Trade frictions are natural. The principle of mutual respect and consultation based on equality should be followed in addressing these problems," he said.

    "Each side should accommodate the concern of the other side while pursuing its own interests, and should refrain from politicizing trade issues," he added.

    Wen said that through addressing textile products and other bilateral trade disputes, both sides have gained much experience for ensuring mutual benefit and win-win outcome.

    The premier stressed that both sides should bear in mind the overall interests of China-EU cooperation, continue dialogue and consultation, respect and trust each other and seek common ground while shelving differences.

    "By doing so, we can surely guide the ship of China-EU economic cooperation to cleave waves and charge ahead," he said. Enditem