13 Sep 21 - story 3

Xi Jinping talks on the phone with German Chancellor Merkel

Xinhua News Agency, Beijing, September 10. President Xi Jinping had a telephone conversation with German Chancellor Merkel on the evening of September 10.

Xi Jinping pointed out that since last year, we have maintained frequent and efficient exchanges, which have played an important leading role in the development of China-Germany and China-EU relations, and also demonstrated the high level of mutual trust between China and Germany. Madam Prime Minister is actively committed to promoting practical cooperation and friendly exchanges between Germany and Europe with China, which I highly appreciate.

Xi Jinping emphasized that in recent years, China-Germany relations have generally maintained smooth development, and cooperation in various fields has shown strong resilience under the epidemic situation, which has brought tangible sense of gain to the two peoples. China and Germany promoted the completion of China-EU investment agreement negotiations on schedule, jointly advocated multilateralism, safeguarded free trade, actively responded to climate change, and joined hands to make positive contributions to the maintenance of world peace and stability. The fundamental reason why China-Germany relations have achieved great success lies in mutual respect, seeking common ground while reserving differences, focusing on win-win cooperation, and promoting complementary advantages. As long as the two sides persist in consolidating and deepening mutual trust, treating each other as equals, and focusing on cooperation, the Sino-German relationship can continue to achieve new developments. It is hoped that Germany will promote the EU to adhere to the correct China policy, treat differences objectively, handle differences rationally, and promote the sustained and healthy development of China-EU relations.

Merkel said that in recent years, the development of Germany-China and EU-China relations has many points worthy of summary. I would like to maintain close communication with China and work together to promote Germany, China, Europe and China to work towards bridging differences through dialogue and properly handling differences. The EU-China Investment Agreement is mutually beneficial and win-win for both EU and China, and I hope that it can be successfully approved and entered into force as soon as possible. Germany hopes to strengthen vaccine cooperation with China.

Merkel briefed her on the current situation in Afghanistan, expressing her hope to strengthen communication and coordination with China under the United Nations and other multilateral frameworks. Xi Jinping emphasized that China advocates the coexistence and mutual learning of different civilizations, opposes interference in the internal affairs of other countries, and is willing to work with the international community, including Germany, to make constructive efforts to truly realize peace and stability in Afghanistan.