On April 18, 2012, State Councilor Liu Yandong pointed out the importance of raising the strategic position of people-to-people exchanges in the China-EU relations and gradually enhancing the mutual understanding, friendship and mutual trust between the two sides at the opening ceremony of China-EU High-Level People-to-People Dialogue (HPPD) Forum in Brussels.

Liu said that China and Europe are the important birthplaces of the glorious civilizations of East and West. The two sides enjoy a long history of people-to-people exchanges. The thinking and culture of East and West add radiance and beauty to each other and depict a grand scroll of dialogue among civilizations. Globalization has created historic opportunities for China and the EU to participate in each other's development and handle challenges together. The EU has achieved regional peace and stability through integration and become an important force for world multi-polarization. Although Europe is facing severe challenges, China always believes that Europe's status as a critical pole of the world remains unchanged and the EU members are able to overcome difficulties and embrace new prosperity thanks to their rich cultural heritage, strong economic fundamentals and unique advantages of talented people.

She noted that to expand and deepen the all-round strategic partnership is not only a strategic choice but also the strategic requirement of China and the EU. More importantly, it is the aspiration of the 1.8 billion of people of China and the EU. A China with peace and development will bring greater benefits to Europe and the world and a united and strong Europe is in line with the fundamental interests of China and the world.

She pointed out that recognition is the prerequisite for understanding, understanding is the foundation of trust and trust is the guarantee of cooperation. To deepen China-EU people-to-people exchanges, people element is the key. Principles of "foresight", "learning from each other and seeking common prosperity" and "being specific and tangible" must be followed to continuously enhance the strategic position of people-to-people exchanges in China-EU relations. The two sides should respect and appreciate each other's culture and implement the initiatives of the HPPD step by step through expanding personnel contacts and conducting specific projects. She believes that people-to-people exchanges will build a bridge of spiritual communication of the two peoples with the joint efforts of both sides and create room for deeper development of China-EU relations.

On the same day, Liu watched the performance presented jointly by young Chinese and EU artists, met with the representatives of the host of the Forum and friendship groups and visited the China Higher Education Exhibition.