BRUSSELS, Feb. 1 (Xinhua) -- The European Union (EU) and China on Wednesday opened their year of intercultural dialogue to enhance mutual understanding and cultural cooperation.

"China and Europe should not only join hands politically and economically, they should also aim high in the field of cultural cooperation," said Chinese Culture Minister Cai Wu.

Cultural cooperation, as well as political and economic exchanges, would serve as the three pillars of the China-Europe relations, said Cai.

Androulla Vassiliou, EU Commissioner for Education, Culture, Multilingualism and Youth, hailed the successful launch of the event while addressing the opening ceremony.

Europe is ready to work with China to enhance understanding between their two peoples and contribute to maintaining and promoting the diversity of world culture, she said.

China has launched the program of Chinese cultural year in countries including France and Italy. In addition to the China-EU year of intercultural dialogue, China also saw the opening of its cultural year event in Germany earlier this year.