German Chancellor Angela Merkel is no stranger to China.

Many still cherish fond memories of her last visit here, when she took a walk with Premier Wen Jiabao in a Beijing park and then chatted with people doing their morning exercises.

That walk left a favorable impression on Chinese minds. People appreciated the amiable German guest, as well as the special closeness between the two countries.

The German chancellor and her Chinese counterpart took another stroll yesterday afternoon and then had tea together before attending a concert to commemorate the 35th anniversary of Sino-German diplomatic ties and inaugurating the three-year "Germany and China - Moving Ahead Together" program.

We like the way their meetings were arranged. The casual manner assures us that the relationship between the countries they represent is healthy. It is amazing that despite the differences in their political institutions, the two countries have managed to forge such a constructive partnership.

As with many other foreign countries, we have a lot to share with our German friends. Sino-German relations have been so warm because the two sides occupy common ground. We are confident in the 35-year relationship because it is based on mutual understanding and benefit.

Business is no doubt an important aspect of our common interests. As with her last trip, Chancellor Merkel brought with her a team of German business leaders. They will find a sea of opportunities here.

But the room for collaboration goes far beyond business.

The "Germany and China" program, for instance, can be expected to expand and upgrade our friendship. Exposing the average Chinese to the many facets of German culture will deepen their understanding of Germany as a country that can be trusted.

We hope to see a similar event showcasing China in Germany.

The concert Premier Wen and Chancellor Merkel attended last night was presented jointly by young Chinese and German musicians. The classical ballet "Romeo and Juliet" Merkel will see in Nanjing will feature a German Romeo and Chinese Juliet.

Such arrangements are reminiscent of the fine partnership between the two countries.

As the amount of common ground between the countries increases, our leaders will find a more comfortable platform to handle common concerns and differences, be it on climate change, copyright issues or Darfur.

(China Daily August 28, 2007)