The Chinese ambassador to the European Union Song Zhe on Tuesday exchanged views with European Council President Herman Van Rompuy on efforts to boost cooperation ahead of the latter's visit to Beijing.

The very beginning of the second decade of this century showed trends of accelerated changes in the world situations and the world is confronted with more challenges of global significance, said Song.

As one of the key powers of the world, China and the EU are finding themselves at pivotal stage of development, he said.

Efforts to boost cooperation and join hands in facing up to the common challenges are conducive to their stability and development, as well as world peace and prosperity, he added.

On the upcoming visit by Van Rompuy to China, his first visit out of Europe as the European Council president, Song said he believed the visit would enhance their mutual understanding and trust, promote comprehensive cooperation and boost their confidence for future relations, thus injecting new vitality into the China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership.

Van Rompuy agreed Song's remarks on the dramatically changing world, saying that Europe and China are seeing more overlapping interests with those of the world as a whole.

China's economic progress has been an important contribution to world economic growth and recovery, said Van Rompuy. He said the EU should adopt a more positive attitude toward strong performance by emerging economies like China.

The rapid development in China "offers new opportunity, and it won't pose any threat" to anyone, he said.

Van Rompuy said he was looking forward to the visit to China on May 15-19, and will make efforts to ensure a successful tour to the country.