Chinese Vice Premier meets Merkel

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-09-09 11:11

BERLIN -- Visiting Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Dejiang met here on Monday with German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

According to Chinese diplomats, during the meeting, Zhang expressed thanks to Merkel for Germany's help in the wake of the earthquake in Sichuan Province of China. He also thanked Merkel for Germany's support for Beijing Olympic Games.

On bilateral relations, Zhang said the relations between the two countries showed good momentum this year, noting that there were more exchange of high-level visits between the two countries and bilateral trade saw robust expansion.

China attaches importance to its relations with Germany, the Vice Premier said, adding that the Chinese side is willing to increase mutual trust, deepen cooperation and expand cooperation fields with Germany, so as to push forward the bilateral relations into a higher level.

According to Chinese diplomats, Merkel spoke highly of the efforts of the Chinese government in the rescue and relief work after the earthquake, and she also extended congratulations on the success of Beijing Olympic Games.

Merkel said she was looking forward to her trip to Beijing in October when she will attend the Seventh Asia-Europe Summit and pay an official visit to China.

Merkel also said the relations between Germany and China were progressing well and bilateral economic cooperation had been strengthened.

She added that the German side hopes for expanding cooperation with China in various fields like economy, finance and investment.

Later on Monday evening, Zhang held talks with Economic Minister Michael Glos and met with business leaders from several big German companies including Siemens, Deutsche Post and Deutsche Bank.

Zhang arrived in Berlin on Sunday for a five-day official visit at the invitation of the German government.

In his next leg, Zhang will attend the third meeting of the China-Europe Forum in Hamburg.