Practical approach, mutual respect have underpinned stability of bilateral ties

Premier Li Keqiang said the sound and stable development of China-Germany relations is beneficial to both countries and the world, as he called on both sides to be committed to two-way openness and jointly deal with global challenges.

Li made the remark on Monday when he met with outgoing German Chancellor Angela Merkel via video link. The meeting came just days after President Xi Jinping spoke with Merkel via video link.

Merkel has visited China 12 times and gone to more than 10 Chinese cities during her 16 years as chancellor.

Li spoke positively of Merkel's contribution to promoting China-Germany and China-European Union practical cooperation and friendly exchanges in all fields. Thanks to concerted efforts, China-Germany cooperation now leads China-EU cooperation, he said.

The premier said the reason the China-Germany relationship is stable and growing is because both sides treat the other equally, focus on practical cooperation, respect the other, appropriately deal with differences and uphold multilateralism to address challenges.

As next year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Germany, Li said that Beijing stands ready to work with Berlin to tap the potential of deepening cooperation and mutual benefits to maintain the stable, long-term development of bilateral ties.

To expand and strengthen bilateral cooperation, China expects the new German government to continue its positive and practical China policy, consolidate cooperation in China-Germany relations and continue to make good use of bilateral dialogue and communication mechanisms such as intergovernmental consultations, Li said.

China is willing to work with all parties, including Germany, to jointly deal with climate change and strengthen international cooperation to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, he added.

Noting that China's door of opening-up will open wider, Li said China hopes both countries will remain open to each other, jointly safeguard the rules-based multilateral trading system, maintain the stability of global industry and supply chains, promote global economic governance and make concerted efforts to address global challenges.

Merkel said that for more than 10 years, Germany and China have maintained close communication with mutual understanding deepening and cooperation expanding.

Germany stands ready to strengthen practical cooperation with a vibrant China, Merkel said, adding that the new German government will continue to attach importance to its relations with China.