Li Keqiang held a video meeting with German Chancellor Merkel

On the afternoon of October 18, 2021, Premier Li Keqiang of the State Council held a video meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Ziguangge, Zhongnanhai.

Li Keqiang positively commented on Merkel’s vigorous efforts to promote practical cooperation between Germany and Europe and friendly exchanges in various fields with China, and said that China and Germany are committed to expanding the common interests of both sides on the basis of equality and mutual benefit. Through joint efforts, China-Germany cooperation has steadily been at the forefront of China-EU cooperation. The stability and growth of China-Germany relations are mainly attributable to the two parties’ insistence on treating each other as equals and focusing on pragmatic cooperation; upholding mutual respect and properly handling differences; upholding multilateralism and working together to meet challenges. The healthy and stable development of Sino-German relations is not only beneficial to China and Germany, but also to the world. Next year is the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Germany. China is willing to work with Germany to continue to deepen the potential for win-win cooperation and promote the stability and long-term development of China-Germany relations.

Li Keqiang pointed out that China will continue to attach great importance to the development of China-Germany relations, and expects the new German government to continue its active and pragmatic China policy and consolidate the main tone of cooperation in China-Germany relations. Continue to make good use of bilateral dialogue and exchange mechanisms such as government consultations to expand and strengthen the base of cooperation. China is willing to work with all parties including Germany to jointly tackle climate change and strengthen international cooperation in the fight against the epidemic. China will open its door wider and wider. It is hoped that both sides will maintain two-way openness, jointly maintain the rules-based multilateral trading system, and maintain the stability of the global industrial chain and supply chain. Promote global economic governance and work together to meet global challenges.

Li Keqiang welcomes Merkel to visit China frequently after leaving office, and continues to care and support the development of China-Germany and China-EU relations.

Merkel said that in the past decade or so, Germany and China have maintained close exchanges, deepened mutual understanding, and expanded cooperation in various fields. China’s development is full of vitality, and Germany is willing to continue to strengthen pragmatic cooperation with China and expand people-to-people exchanges. It is hoped that German companies will obtain good and fair market access conditions in China. It is believed that the new German government will continue to attach importance to relations with China. It is hoped that the two sides will take the opportunity of celebrating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries next year to promote the further in-depth development of the all-round strategic partnership between Germany and China.