The links between China and Germany were "close and
good"?according to visiting Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and his German counterpart Angela
Merkel. On Thursday they applauded bilateral relations between the
two countries.
The remarks were made at a joint press conference following a
meeting and signing of a number of cooperation agreements by the
two leaders. "This visit shows again that the two nations have
close and good relations," said Merkel. She visited China in
May.
Merkel said she believed relations, which were already strong,
could be further developed as in 2007 the two countries would
celebrate the 35th anniversary of the establishment of formal
diplomatic relationships. Wen, who arrived here earlier on
Thursday, made similar comments.?
On the Iranian nuclear issue Wen reaffirmed the situation should
be resolved peacefully and urged that negotiations resume as soon
as possible. "Sanctions do not lead to this goal," he said.
"Therefore we must be careful with such measures."?
On Thursday, the two signed eight documents for further
cooperation in economy, science, technology and culture.
Under one agreement signed by Chinese Ambassador to Germany Ma
Canrong and German State Secretary Gerd Hoofe for the Federal
Ministry of Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth, 400
German youngsters will visit China next year.
The two countries also signed a framework agreement for setting
up a Confucius Institute in the German city of Hannover.
Wen, who is on a two-day visit to Germany, also held talks with
German President Horst Koehler.
(Xinhua News Agency September 15, 2006)
