Li welcomes Merkel's upcoming visit to China

Premier Li Keqiang has called on China and Germany to enhance their mutual trust and deepen their partnership to promote the healthy development of bilateral ties.

Speaking to German Chancellor Angela Merkel over a phone call Wednesday night, Li also said the two sides should work together to defend multilateralism and free trade.

He welcomed Merkel's 12th visit to China, saying that both sides are facing common challenges as the international landscape undergoes profound and complicated changes.

Merkel said Germany attaches importance to its relations with China and that she hopes her upcoming visit will help deepen Germany's relationship with China.

She also voiced her hope that the visit will send a positive signal of healthy bilateral relations in the face of a complicated international landscape.

Merkel will start her two-day visit to China on Friday.