The Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao went to Brussels for the first time in five years, with both sides keen for closer ties despite disagreements over Tibet and China’s record on human rights.

Top of the agenda was a co-ordinated assault on the global financial crisis and climate change.

The European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso said: “Europe and China can only benefit from this intense cooperation between us, indeed I believe not only Europe and China but also the global international community. If you consider the global challenges that we are confronted with today – none of them will be solved without a strong cooperation between China and the European Union.”

The two men signed several agreements covering counterfeit goods, piracy and civil aviation. Barroso said the meeting was constructive.

As the trading partners were talking inside, pro-Tibet demonstrators were protesting outside. China blames Tibet’s exiled spritual leader for stirring up last year’s unrest in the region. It was the EU’s warm reception for the Dalai Lama which led to Beijing boycotting the last summit.