Editorials
Cooperation agenda
(China Daily)
Updated: 2010-07-15 07:41
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German Chancellor Angela Merkel's three-day visit to Beijing starting Thursday may be taken as the clearest indication yet that both nations are keen to push bilateral ties to a higher level.
China has always attached great importance to developing a sound, stable relationship with Germany, a key member of the European Union.
China and Germany share many common concerns and have worked closely together in international groupings to find ways to resolve some gnawing issues afflicting the world, such as the global financial crisis and climate change.
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Given the pivotal role Germany plays in Europe, the European power is also expected to drive China-EU relations in the desired direction.
It is likely that Beijing and Berlin will announce a comprehensive strategic partnership during Merkel's trip. If so, this will inject new momentum to bilateral cooperation.
Accompanied by a huge delegation of corporate chieftains, Merkel will oversee the signing of several lucrative deals related to trade and science and technology.
China-Germany trade has gained in both width and depth despite the global economic downturn. In the first five months of this year, total bilateral trade volume touched $53.35 billion, up 43.9 percent from the same period last year.
Both sides also show very good prospects to broaden cooperation into such fields as clean energy, environmental protection and green-food farming.
Official and non-official exchanges have resulted in the setting up of quite a few dialogue mechanisms targeting strategic and legal issues.
Such arrangements will continue to deepen mutual understanding among both peoples and bridge gaps between the different cultures.
A stronger bilateral relationship is certain to benefit both countries' development as well as contribute to global economic growth.
(China Daily 07/15/2010 page8)