Chinese, German leaders vow to enhance ties
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2005-11-11 06:15

Chinese President Hu Jintao and his German counterpart Horst Koehler on Thursday vowed to make joint efforts to push forward the Sino-German partnership with global responsibility.

Hu, who arrived in Berlin earlier Thursday, was warmly greeted by Koehler at the Charlottenburg Palace, where he inspected a guard of honor.

Following the welcome ceremony, the two leaders held talks which focused on international issues of common concern.

Koehler said China's rapid development over the past two decades has drawn worldwide attention and its influence and role in international affairs is also growing.

Germany cherishes its friendly relations with China and hopes to expand exchanges and cooperation between the two countries in various fields, he said.

Hu told Koehler that both China and Germany are countries carrying considerable weight in the world and their relationship has developed smoothly since diplomatic ties were forged in 1972.

Bilateral cooperation in the political, economic and cultural and other fields has been fruitful, he added.

First, the Sino-German relationship has a solid political foundation. The two countries have no direct conflict of interests. China has always supported the German reunification and Germany has long stuck to the one-China policy and opposed "Taiwan independence," Hu said.

Secondly, both countries have attached great importance to improving their relationship. In May 2004, the two countries issued a joint statement saying they would establish a partnership with global responsibility within the framework of a comprehensive strategic partnership between China and the European Union (EU), he said.

"This is a strategic decision jointly made by both sides," Hu stressed.

In the current international situation, the strengthening of Sino-German relations is conducive to the development of Sino-EU relations, as well as world peace, stability and prosperity, the Chinese president noted.

He said China stands ready to maintain high-level contacts and intensify political dialogues and consultations between the two sides.

China welcomes more investments from Germany's business people,encourages Chinese enterprises to invest in Germany, and actively promotes exchanges and cooperation in science and technology, education, culture and environmental protection, he added.

He expressed the hope that China and Germany will maintain communication and coordination in dealing with major international affairs.

Echoing Hu's remarks on bilateral relations, Koehler emphasized that Germany will maintain the continuity of its policy towards China and fully implement all the agreements set out in the joint statement by the two countries.

The German president spoke highly of China's efforts in poverty alleviation, adding that he is following closely China's economic and social development.

Hu told Koehler that China adheres to the policy of maintaining good neighborly relations with neighboring countries, and is willing to enhance mutual trust and expand cooperation with them and create a win-win situation for all.

"China's development can only bring up opportunities for Asian countries and contribute to Asia's economic growth, and will never impede success of others, nor pose any threat to anybody," Hu added.

The two leaders also exchanged views on support for African countries' development. Hu said China always attaches importance to Africa and will continue to make its contributions to aid efforts for African countries.

Following their talks, the two leaders attended the signing ceremony for several documents on cooperation between the two countries in culture, transportation, telecommunications, medicine and health care.

Hu arrived Thursday afternoon after a state visit to Britain. Germany is the second leg of his four-nation tour, which will also take him to Spain and South Korea. He will also attend the 13th APEC Economic Leaders Meeting in Busan, South Korea on Nov. 18-19.