EU chief Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday called on the European bloc to "deepen" ties with China and strengthen relations with India, while pursuing a "pragmatic" approach with the new US administration of Donald Trump.
In an opening speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Von der Leyen stressed the importance of the European bloc cooperating rather than confronting the Trump administration, which has promised punitive import tariffs on key partners as part of its trade policy.
"Our first priority will be early engagement, discussion of common interests and readiness to negotiate," the European Commission chief said at a meeting of world leaders in Switzerland.
"We will be pragmatic, but we will always stand by our principles," Von der Leyen said, stressing that Europe remains committed to the Paris climate agreement, despite Trump's order to withdraw the United States from the deal.
The EU chief focused her speech largely on the need to increase partnerships with other countries beyond the United States - calling for the European bloc to "engage constructively" with China, despite rising trade tensions between Beijing and Brussels.
"The year 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the European Union's diplomatic relations with China. I see this as an opportunity to engage and deepen our relationship with China, and where possible, also to expand our trade and investment ties," she said.
She also announced that her core team will visit India to strengthen ties in the first trip abroad of the new term.
"Together with Prime Minister [Narendra] Modi, we want to enhance the strategic partnership with the largest country and the largest democracy in the world," Von der Leyen said.
The EU has said it is "ready" to defend its interests if Trump makes good on his trade threats - however, the new US leader has so far not announced the entry into force of such tariffs.
"Nobody has an interest in disrupting the connections in the global economy," Von der Leyen said.
In the face of risk, the EU has worked to diversify its trading partnerships, announcing in recent days a larger trade deal with Mexico and resuming talks on a free trade agreement with Malaysia./ REL (A2 Televizion)
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