Beijing, Sept 5, SPA -- British Prime Minister Tony Blair metChina's President Hu Jintao on Monday as negotiatorsreached a deal to unblock Chinese textile imports atEuropean ports _ a problem that had threatened to sour aChina-Europe trade-boosting summit. The deal reached by European Union and Chinese negotiatorsin Beijing would let about 75 million Chinese-made garmentsinto Europe, an EU official in Brussels said on conditionof anonymity. Talks on the issue have been underway since last week. Hu welcomed Blair, whose country holds the rotating EUpresidency, at central Beijing's Great Hall of the People.A Blair spokesman had said their hourlong meeting wouldfocus on issues including fighting climate change _ a Blairpriority _ and overhauling the United Nations. The leaders would also discuss regional issues, possiblyincluding North Korea's nuclear program, said thespokesman, who declined to be identified in line withgovernment policy. Blair arrived in Beijing early Monday at the start of awhirlwind four-day China and India trip aimed to increaseEuropean trade with the two Asian economic powerhouses. "We're delighted to be here," Blair said. "Thestrategic partnership between China and the European Unionis of immense importance, not just in terms of trade andthe economy but also in terms of our cooperation on themajor political issues the world faces." Also at the meeting were European Commission PresidentJose Manuel Barroso, EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson,EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana and Chinese ForeignMinister Li Zhaoxing. "The regular meetings between the leaders of China andthe European Union are good for enhancing our mutualunderstanding," Hu said. "They are also good forenhancing our mutually beneficial cooperation," he was quoted as saying by The Associated Press. Shipments of Chinese textiles were held up at Europeanports after imports reached an annual limit for 2005 set bythe two sides in June amid European producers' complaintsabout a surge in Chinese sales. The EU's 25 member states must approve Monday's dealbefore the clothing can go on sale in European stores.--SPA1304 Local Time 1004 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/287214