Senior official of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Liu Yunshan on Wednesday met with a Socialists and Democrats delegation from the European Parliament.

The delegation was led by Gianni Pittella, president of the group in the European Parliament.

Liu, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, underscored the importance China placed on developing ties with the European Union and pledged to work with the EU to implement the consensus reached during Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Europe last year, and promote China-Europe partnership.

The CPC would like to work with the Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament to deepen inter-party relations and inject vitality into China-Europe relations, Liu said.

China, while maintaining the steady and sound growth of its economy, will continue to open to the outside world, promote the Belt and Road Initiative and share development opportunities with other countries, Liu said.

The Belt and Road Initiative, also known as the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, are a Chinese framework for connecting economies in Asia Pacific and Europe. ' Pittella hailed China as Europe's important partner, saying various groups in the European Parliament are committed to developing ties with China.

Pittella called for regular inter-party exchanges to promote Europe-China comprehensive and strategic partnership.

After Beijing, Pittella and his delegation will travel to Shanghai, east China.