Relations between China and Germany will continue to improve as long as the two countries follow the principles of mutual respect and reciprocity, and continue to push forward the existing ties in the long term.  

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao made the remarks when he held talks with visiting German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder in Beijing Monday afternoon.

Wen said the bilateral relations were promising and described it as having "a solid foundation and a bright future".

He said that China and Germany have supported each other politically, referring to the support of the Chinese government for Germany's unification and the adherence of the German government to the one-China policy.

He said Germany is China's largest trading partner in Europe, and China is also Germany's largest trading partner in Asia.

Trade volume between China and Germany reached US$33.46 billion in the January to October period, increased by 49.8 percent on the same period last year, Wen said.

The two countries have also cooperated in the scientific field and international affairs, Wen said.

He said that furthering Sino-German relations is the common aspiration of the two sides, and the two countries should promote coordination and consultation in the United Nations and other international organizations, as well as in security policies and strategy.

Meanwhile, the two countries should expand trade and economic cooperation, and encourage more German entrepreneurs to invest in China's west and northeast regions.

Wen expressed his appreciation of the German government for not selling weapons to Taiwan, adhering to the One-China policy and attaching importance to China's concerns on the "East Turkistan" issue.

He voiced his hope that Germany would play a positive role in pushing the European Union to recognize China's market economy status and to remove the restriction on arms sales to China.

Schroeder said that developing friendship and cooperation with China has been Germany's consistent policy. He reaffirmed his adherence to the One-China policy, and not to ratify arms sales to Taiwan.

He spoke highly of the achievements in trade and economic cooperation between the two countries, and said that Germany will encourage its entrepreneurs to participate in China's economic development. He also vowed to take measures to further the cultural, scientific and educational cooperation.

After talks, the two sides signed 11 documents.

(Xinhua News Agency December 2, 2003)