China, Germany vow to push ahead healthy bilateral ties

Chinese President Hu Jintao said on Friday morning that the Chinese side is willing to join hands with Germany to treat and deal with bilateral ties from a "strategic and long-term" point of view, and further push forward a healthy Sino-German relationship.

While meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Hu said the relationship between China and German is progressing forward in a sound way, with the bilateral economic and trade ties expanding rapidly, despite challenges of the current global financial crisis.

Chinese President Hu Jintao meets on Friday morning with German Chancellor Angela Merkel who is in Beijing to pay an official visit to China and to attend the seventh summit of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) scheduled for October 24 to 25. [Xinhua]

Hu stressed that the good developing momentum of Sino-German relationship is hard-earned and should be treasured by both sides.

He noted that China sees Germany as an important cooperative partner, and recognizes the important role of Germany in European and international affairs. Although China and Germany have different domestic conditions, they share wide-ranging and important common interests.

The president urged both sides to take into consideration their common interests, stick to the principle of mutual respect, equality and reciprocity, properly handle differences and deepen cooperation through strengthened exchanges and dialogues.

Merkel, who is in Beijing to attend the seventh Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) summit, agreed that the German-China relationship developed well and both sides have sent a strong signal to further boost bilateral ties.

She stressed that it is especially necessary for Germany and China to strengthen their cooperation in economy and trade when the world economy is having difficulties.

During the meeting, Hu also briefed Merkel on China's stance on the current global financial crisis. Merkel said international cooperation must be strengthened to fight against the financial crisis, and a new international financial system should be built.

Merkel also expressed her appreciation for China's important role in dealing with global challenges, and expected to strengthen governmental negotiations with China in political, economic, cultural and international affairs.