In a telephone conversation with new German Chancellor, Angel Merkel, on Thursday, Premier Wen Jiabao said that China will make joint efforts with Germany to further boost relations between the two countries.

Wen spoke highly of the remarkable achievement made by the two sides in bilateral relations and their good coordination and cooperation in international affairs. He pointed out that President Hu Jintao's recent state visit to Germany had achieved substantial results and further promoted bilateral relations.

He also congratulated Merkel on her appointment as German chancellor.

Wen reiterated that China values good Sino-German ties, and expressed the hope that the two sides will maintain high-level official exchanges, strengthen political dialogue and consultation, and push forward bilateral cooperation in the fields of economic and trade, science and technology, education, culture and environmental protection.

The partnership of global responsibility between China and Germany will score new achievements through concerted efforts by the two countries, Wen said.

Merkel agreed with Wen's view on bilateral relations, noting that Germany will continue to uphold the one-China policy and hopes to expand cooperation with China in various fields, on the track of the smooth development of Germany-China relations in recent years.

She also said that she hopes to visit China next year to witness the profound transformation taking place in the country.

(Xinhua News Agency December 2, 2005)