BEIJING -- China and the European Parliament have decided to simultaneously and comprehensively lift restrictions on mutual exchanges as agreed by the two sides, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said here Tuesday.

Over the past few years, exchanges between the legislative bodies of China and European Union (EU) have encountered some twists and turns for reasons known to all, spokesperson Lin Jian told a daily news briefing.

Under the current circumstances, both sides believe that it is of great importance for China and the EU to enhance dialogue and cooperation, Lin added.

"We believe and expect that with the full resumption of exchanges between the legislative bodies of China and the EU, the two sides will deepen communication and understanding, which will inject new impetus into the sustained, healthy and stable development of China-Europe relations," Lin said.