Chinese President Hu Jintao held talks with European Commission President José Manuel Barroso in Shanghai on Saturday.

Hu said Barroso's visit to China, shortly after the election of the new European Commission, showed the importance Barroso and the new European Commission attached to the China-European Union (EU) relations.

Hu thanked EU for its participation in the Shanghai World Expo, which marks the organization's first presence at a World Expo held outside the EU countries.

China had held fast to its promise and made unremitting efforts to present a successful, splendid and unforgettable event despite the global financial crisis, Hu said.

He believed the EU Pavilion, featuring an "Intelligent Europe", would be a great attraction to visitors and hoped the Pavilion would serve as a platform for strengthening friendship and cooperation between China and EU.

Having attended the opening ceremony of the Expo, Barroso said the ceremony was a great event that showcased a modern China and a China that is much respected.

He also said the Expo would be conducive to a stronger common understanding between China and the EU.