The new direction in Chinese foreign policy will see China "give more prominence to the European Union," Etienne Reuter, former senior adviser to the European Commission, said in an exclusive interview with Xinhua on Thursday.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry announced on Tuesday that Chinese President Xi Jinping will pay a state visit to Britain next week. It is the second consecutive year in which the Chinese head of state makes an official visit to Europe.

"This state visit is of great significance and symbolism," and will herald "a new golden age" in British-Chinese relations, said Reuter.

The former EU head of delegation to Hong Kong and Macao said Xi's forthcoming visit is "important" in historical and protocol terms and is well prepared, as evidenced by British Finance Minister George Osborne's recent visit to China.

Trade and financial issues are known, and the international use of the Chinese currency should get serious encouragement, he said, adding that opportunities for Chinese investment in Britain and Europe will also be on the agenda.

Chinese and British governments have adopted a "pragmatic attitude" in building relations, said Reuter, who believes that any difficulties and misunderstandings will be discussed in this spirit.

He also appreciated the statements made by Chinese diplomats this week which expressed the hope that Britain will remain in the European Union and stressed the importance China attaches to it.

"It reminds me of the geopolitical vision of Deng Xiaoping, who spoke to the president of the European Commission in 1979 of his hope that the European Union will consolidate not only economically but also politically and even militarily," he said.

In the coming weeks, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Francois Hollande are expected to be visiting China. At the top of their agenda will be the concern, shared with China, about advancing the negotiations on climate change, said Reuter, adding the two leaders will also work hard to attract Chinese investors to Europe.

Reuter is a lawyer and a specialist in Asian and European Affairs. His distinguished career in European institutions in particular saw him spend 13 years in Hong Kong and Tokyo. In 2010, he founded Elliott Consultants, a Brussels-based consulting firm specializing in European and international affairs.