UNITED NATIONS -- Top Chinese and European Union (EU) diplomats said on Thursday that the two sides are willing to strengthen cooperation and enhance Eurasian connectivity.

China welcomes the EU to participate in the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and is willing to promote the alignment of the BRI with the EU-proposed connectivity plan, said Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

Wang made the remarks during his meeting with High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini. Both diplomats are attending the United Nations General Assembly.

Both China and the EU advocate multilateralism and resolving international disputes through peaceful settlement, Wang added, noting that maintaining and enhancing China-EU relations is the shared responsibility of both sides.

Mogherini said the newly-released European Commission plan that calls for a comprehensive, sustainable and rule-based connectivity goes along with the BRI and will contribute to bilateral cooperation.

She said it is important for the two sides to exchange opinions on strategic issues of common concern.