(Xinhua)
Updated: 2007-08-27 23:00

Chinese President Hu Jintao met with visiting German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Monday, calling for closer ties and broader cooperation in various fields.

China's President Hu Jintao (R) meets Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, August 27, 2007. [Reuters]

"Developing China-Germany relations based on the principles of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit meets basic interests of both peoples, which is also conducive to the China-Europe ties and the world's peace and stability," Hu told Merkel during their one-hour meeting.

The year of 2007 marks the 35th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Germany diplomatic relations. Hu said the two countries have witnessed increasingly deepened exchanges and cooperation over past decades.

Hu also expressed appreciation of the German government's adherence to the one-China policy and its emphasis on developing good relations with China.

China is ready to make joint efforts with Germany to push forward their partnership that shoulders global responsibilities, Hu said.

Hu proposed to maintain close high-level exchanges in order to enhance communication, expand consensus and mutual trust, and take into consideration of each other's concerns and interests in key areas.

Hu also suggested broadening concrete cooperation in various fields including trade, clean and renewable energy, and air purification, and strengthening exchanges in culture, education, science and technology, and youth affairs.

Merkel said that Germany will continue to uphold the one-China policy and is willing to keep communication and coordination with China on key issues.

Merkel expressed the hope that the two nations could cement cooperation in fields like economic and trade, climate changes and environmental protection to further deepen bilateral ties.

Germany also hopes to work jointly to push forward dialogue and cooperation between developed and developing countries, Merkel said.

Merkel arrived in Beijing on Sunday on her second official visit to China as German chancellor. She met with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao earlier Monday.

During her four-day visit, Merkel will also meet Wu Bangguo, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature.