Chinese vice president holds talks with Merkel

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-10-13 05:11

BERLIN - Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping held talks here on Monday with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, putting forward a five-point proposal on boosting bilateral relations between the two countries.

Xi extended congratulations on the victory of Merkels' party, the Christian Democrats (CDU/CSU), in late September's general election.

Xi said Sunday marked the 37th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, and the bilateral ties have seen outstanding progress over the past 37 years.

Currently, the relationship between China and Germany is facing new opportunities for development, said Xi, who tabled a five-point proposal on boosting the sustained, steady and healthy development of the Chinese-German relationship.

Xi arrived in Germany on Saturday morning for the second leg of his five-nation Europe tour.

Later on Tuesday, Xi will attend the opening ceremony of the Frankfurt Book Fair.