The existing
Sino-German partnership of overall cooperation, based on mutual
trust and benefit and equality, can score new progress with
concerted efforts, Chinese President Hu Jintao said in Beijing
Monday.
In a meeting with German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, Hu said
that in recent years, bilateral ties have maintained a good
momentum of fast growth, as high-level exchanges of visits are on
the rise and political mutual trust has been strengthened.
The economic and trade cooperation is growing rapidly, as
bilateral trade volume in the first 10 months this year far
exceeded the total of last year, Hu said, adding that Germany is
the largest trading partner of China in Europe.
The two countries have also achieved new progress in exchanges
and cooperation in fields of science and technology, culture,
education, public health and law, while keeping close consultation
and coordination in international affairs, Hu said.
Appreciating the German government's persistent adherence to the
"one-China" policy and its efforts in attaching importance to
bilateral ties, Hu said China is willing to join hands with Germany
to continue to push forward this relationship in an all-round and
in-depth way.
Fully agreeing with Hu's positive comment on the Germany-China
ties, Schroeder said that to maintain close cooperation is
beneficial to the two peoples, and very important for the
Europe-China relations.
The German people will never forget China's persistent support
for the reunification of Germany, and they will firmly abide by the
"one-China" policy, Schroeder said.
Speaking highly of China's rapid progress, he said Germany
highly values China's important role and influence in international
affairs, and is willing to make concerted efforts with China to
boost mutually beneficial and friendly cooperation in all
fields.
The two leaders also exchanged views on regional hot issues and
issues related to the world economy and trade.
Schroeder arrived in the Chinese capital Monday morning for a
four-day official visit. Besides Beijing, he is also expected to
visit the cities of Guangzhou and Chengdu.
(Xinhua News Agency December 1, 2003)