Chinese State Councilor Ma Kai (R) shakes hands with German Vice Chancellor and Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle after signing his signature at Hamburg Chamber of Commerce during the "Hamburg Summit" in Hamburg, Germany, Nov. 26, 2010. The two-day "Hamburg Summit", Europe's largest Sino-European business conference, ended on Friday.

The 4th Hamburg Summit, Europe' s largest Sino-European business conference, ended Friday with consensus that China and Europe should stand closer than ever in front of various global challenges and vast opportunities.

"Approximately 400 decision makers from more than 15 countries have gathered" in Hamburg in past two days and "discussed almost every important aspect of Sino-European relations," Conference chairman Nikolaus Schues said.

"It' s fair to say that we learned a lot from each other, about each other and -- most importantly, in dialogue with each other," he added.

First held in 2004, the biennial summit has been gradually transformed into an important platform for Chinese and European business and political leaders to exchange fresh ideas on global hot issues. China's former Deputy Premier Zeng Peiyan attended the first summit in 2004, while Premier Wen Jiabao participated in the event in 2006.

"China has become the engine of world economy, pulling Europe, especially Germany, out of the economic slump," said Frank Horch, President of the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce and the main organizer of the conference.

"For us in Europe, it is necessary to accept, regard and treat China not only as an equal partner, but also as one of the most powerful economies worldwide," he told CEOs and high-level politicians at a closing dinner.

"Only a strong China can assure a strong world economy and lead to a peaceful and stable world," Schues said earlier when summarizing the meeting.

He noted that the EU has to find a coherent voice and policy in dealing with China, and the two sides should lead the way in the field of green technology and joint develop products that are both sustainable and profitable.

"China and Germany are connected by a strategic partnership. In 2011, our governments will hold our first comprehensive consultations,"German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle said at the closing dinner.

"Chinese investors are very welcome in the EU, as they are in Germany. We know what they contribute to economic growth and the protection of jobs here," he added.

Chinese State Councilor Ma Kai, the highest-level participant of China in the summit, pointed out that China will maintain a sound and fast economic development through following means: expanding domestic demand, accelerating the transformation of growth model, strengthening the role of technological support, enhancing the open economy and improving people' s well-being.

He believed that a dynamic China will open up broader prospects for China-EU business cooperation, and the two sides should work closer to promote bilateral trade and investment and to enhance practical cooperation in new and high technology.

The next summit will be held in 2012, also in Hamburg, a city with largest ports as well as largest Chinese population in Germany. Its first economic links with China date back to 300 years ago.