2010-07-16 17:44

Chinese president Hu Jintao (R) and Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel shake hands during their meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing July 16, 2010.

BEIJING - Chinese President Hu Jintao said Friday the frequent high-level meetings between China and Germany demonstrate the bilateral relationship's strength.

Hu made the remarks when meeting with visiting German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Hu said Merkel's China visit has boosted the bilateral relationship.

"Your visit will deepen political mutual trust and boost pragmatic cooperation," Hu said, congratulating Merkel on the success of her visit.

Merkel said she was delighted to visit Beijing after the two countries moved closer when tackling the international financial crisis last year.

"I hope the bilateral relationship will grow stronger and reach a new level," said Merkel.

Earlier Friday, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao held talks with Merkel in the Great Hall of People in downtown Beijing.

At the invitation of Wen, Merkel is paying her fourth visit to China.

Apart from Beijing, she will visit Xi'an in northwest China's Shaanxi province.