Czech Official Sees Good Start To China-EU Thaw

`I must say those talks were very friendly, very open, very detailed,` Pojar told reporters after the meeting.

China and the European Union held talks in an "open atmosphere", a senior Czech official representing the EU said on Monday, setting a positive note as the two big economies seek to overcome strained ties.

The Czech Republic now holds the six-monthly rotating EU presidency, and its deputy foreign minister, Tomas Pojar, was in Beijing for talks intended to narrow differences between China, the world's third-largest economy, and Europe, its largest export market.

The Czech Republic assumed the presidency from France, whose President Nicolas Sarkozy angered Beijing by meeting the Dalai Lama, the exiled Tibetan leader who China calls a separatist.

Beijing pulled out of a summit with the EU scheduled for December to show its fury.

Pojar said his meeting was more promising.

"I must say those talks were very friendly, very open, very detailed," Pojar told reporters after the meeting.

"It was a good atmosphere, open, correct and fair, but we were openly debating issues where we do not have the same stance," he said.

Pojar said the two sides discussed Tibet and human rights, as well as Afghanistan, Gaza, and other world troublespots. He did not give details.

China-EU relations could thaw further with Chinese premier Wen Jiabao expected to travel to Europe later this month. China has yet to officially confirm that trip.