On June 8, 2007, Chinese President Hu Jintao met with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Germany's Baltic resort of Heiligendamm, exchanging views on bilateral ties, as well as other international and regional issues of common concern.

 

During the meeting, Hu said China-Germany relations have witnessed in-depth development. The China-Germany strategic dialogue has been successfully launched and the two countries have maintained close contact and coordination in dealing with important international affairs, said Hu. Various consultation, dialogue and exchange mechanisms are proceeding smoothly and marked progress has been made in bilateral exchanges and cooperation in such fields as trade, culture, education, science and technology, environmental protection and justice, he said.

 

As there is an urgent need for the international community to strengthen coordination and cooperation in responding to many challenges facing it, China and Germany now share more common interests and it has become all the more important for the two countries to develop bilateral ties, he said. Hu said China views and handles ties with Germany from a strategic and long-term perspective and stands ready to enhance exchanges and dialogue with Germany in efforts to meet global challenges, safeguard world peace and stability and promote common development.

 

Merkel said the two countries now enjoy a close relationship, marked by frequent exchanges and contact between their leaders and different government departments. She hoped the two sides would work together to expand their cooperation in various fields.

 

Merkel thanked the Chinese president for attending the outreach session of the Group of Eight (G8) summit and said China's policies and related measures on environmental protection and climate change expounded by Hu are of great significance. The German chancellor also hoped Germany and China would strengthen exchanges and cooperation in environmental protection and in efforts to tackle climate change.

 

The two leaders also exchanged views on Iran's nuclear issue and the issue of Sudan's Darfur.

 

State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan attended the meeting.