BEIJING - Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and leaders from the European Union kicked off an annual meeting Thursday in Beijing to work out a blueprint for bilateral ties in the coming years as the two sides prepare to start talks on an investment protocol.

China's Premier Li Keqiang (C) speaks next to European Council President Herman Van Rompuy (L) and European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso (R) during a joint news conference at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, November 21, 2013. [Photo/Agencies]

Li is attending the 16th China-EU leaders' meeting with European Council President Herman Van Rompuy and European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso at the Great Hall of the People in downtown Beijing.

"This summit is held at a historical point, as this year marks the tenth anniversary of our comprehensive strategic partnership," Li said at the beginning of the summit.

He labelled Europe an "important pole" amid the multipolarization of the world, and an "important partner" for China, which is striving for modernization.

"China attaches great importance to relations with the EU, and will work with it to steer bilateral relations and push for further development in our comprehensive strategic partnership," Li said.

He said China is willing to start talks on a China-EU investment protocol. "I hope both sides can hold talks successfully and negotiate a good result," he said.

Li said China supports strong and reputable Chinese companies in investing in Europe, and urged the European side to ease export controls on high-tech products to China.

"China will work with the European side to oppose trade and investment protectionism, expand and upgrade cooperation and establish a new growth point," Li said.