Brussels - The European Union called on Zimbabwe on Friday to make "concrete progress" in meeting long-delayed political and human rights reforms after holding talks with Zimbabwean ministers.

EU foreign affairs chief Catherine Ashton and Development Commissioner Andris Pielbags met with ministers representing three political parties from Harare's power-sharing government.

"The EU appreciates some progress made implementing the Global Political Agreement in Zimbabwe," Ashton said in a statement, referring to the February 2009 power-sharing deal between President Robert Mugabe and his former rival Morgan Tsvangirai.

Ashton said Brussels "remains ready to continue the dialogue and to respond flexibly and positively to any clear signals of further concrete progress".

Relations between Zimbabwe and the European Union were strained 10 years ago by elections marred by violence and widespread allegations of human rights abuses by Mugabe's government.

In February, the EU renewed sanctions against Mugabe and his inner circle for another year, citing a lack of progress in implementing political and human rights reforms.

Despite the sanctions, the 27-nation bloc has provided €180m to Zimbabwe for health, education, food security and governance, said a statement from Brussels.

The EU will release another €20m in aid in the coming days, a commission official said.

The delegation from Harare included Energy Minister Elton Mangoma, Justice Minister Patrick Chinamasa and International Co-operation Minister Priscilla Misihairambwi-Mushonga.

The two sides held "open and constructive discussions with the ultimate objective of progressing towards normalising relations between the European Union and Zimbabwe," the EU said in a statement.

"It was also agreed to intensify the dialogue in Harare," it said.

By SAPA