BRUSSELS, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Tuesday extended congratulations on the Fourth Brussels China-Europe Forum.

In his congratulatory message, Li said that as two major forces in world political arena, China and Europe are staunch safeguards for the stability and security of Asia and Europe, and have played a mainstay role in tackling such global challenges as the international financial crisis.

China attaches great importance to the European Union (EU) from a strategic perspective and has, as always, supported the progress of the European integration, and will be happy to see a united, prosperous and strong EU, he said.

China and Europe should properly implement the China-EU 2020 Strategic Agenda for Cooperation, and become front runners for opening-up, innovation, inclusiveness and development as well as good partners for win-win cooperation, said the Chinese premier.

In his congratulatory message, Jean-Claude Juncker, president of the European Commission, said that the Europe-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership has been expanding and deepening over the past years.

The EU is willing to work with China to actively implement the EU-China 2020 Strategic Agenda for Cooperation, expand cooperation in various fields so as to further advance EU-China ties, Juncker said.