Chinese President Xi Jinping called on the European Union through its council President, Herman Van Rompuy, to have the two become "partners for growth," through the offering of opportunities via the establishment of an investment treaty and a free trade pact.

Xi called on the whole of EU to "join hands" as China is expecting Europe to open high-technology exports, and the immediate opening of talks for a free trade agreement.

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The visit to the E.U. headquarters in Brussels is the first for any Chinese leader. Xi was also welcomed by European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso, and Martin Schulz, the head of the European parliament.

The Chinese president told the E.U. that Beijing is supportive of the European integration, looking forward to a comprehensive, expanding, and deeper strategic relations where the two could engage in a path of peaceful development.

The two parties could intensify relations through communications and cooperation in matters affecting regional and global issues.

Xi described the current state of relations as into "deep water" areas, essential for both to start cooperation, share experiences and pursue reforms in social governance, macro-economics, rural development, public policies, environmental protection and employment.

Van Rompuy described Xi's visit as a testimony to the firm footing of the China-E.U. comprehensive strategic partnership.

The E.U. President replied to Xi's message with assurances that the E.U. will hasten the discussions on an investment agreement and exploratory talks for a free trade pact.

Van Rompuy stated that "There are many common features in Europe's growth and job strategy and China's 12th Five-Year Plan."

The E.U. President listed areas where the two can work closely together, such as the provision of first-class opportunities for educating young people, research and innovation, attainment of a clean environment, poverty reduction, efficient public service and less business red tape.

On the part of Barroso, Xi is hopeful that Europe will maintain its markets open, refrain from engaging in measures to resolve trade imbalances and manage any trade friction.

The E.U. and China were recently embroiled on disagreements on solar panels, the Chinese exports of rare earth elements and even the export of wine to China.

The whole European Union is China's biggest trading partner and China is the E.U.'s second largest with bilateral trade in 2013 amounting to US$ 559 Billion (3.47 Trillion yuan).

The meeting with the European Union officials is the last official meeting of President Xi for his 11-day tour of four nations that started with the Netherlands, followed by France, Germany and Belgium, the headquarters for the E.U.