​Xi eyes China-Germany people-to-people exchanges to advance bilateral ties

Chinese President Xi Jinping said Wednesday that he hoped China-Germany people-to-people exchanges would advance bilateral ties and China-Europe relations.

Xi made the remarks in a congratulatory letter to the first meeting of the High-Level China-Germany People-to-people Exchange Dialogue Mechanism, held Wednesday in Beijing.

Hailing the long-lasting friendship and the deepened pragmatic cooperation since the two countries established diplomatic relations 45 years ago, Xi noted bilateral ties had entered a mature development phase.

"Cooperation in people-to-people exchanges in recent years has pulled the hearts of the two peoples closer," Xi said.

Xi expressed the hope that the High-Level China-Germany People-to-people Exchange Dialogue Mechanism will help enrich communication, widen exchange and deepen cooperation between the two countries.

The letter was read by Vice Premier Liu Yandong, who co-chaired the meeting with German Vice Chancellor and Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel.

Noting China-Germany relations were at their best ever, Liu said the two countries were highly complementary when it came to cooperation.

The High-Level China-Germany People-to-people Exchange Dialogue Mechanism would serve to consolidate public support and promote mutual learning in culture.

Liu called for extensive, active participation from the two sides, deepening pragmatic cooperation, and improving people-to-people exchange mechanism to invigorate the China-Germany comprehensive strategic partnership.

Gabriel said Germany was willing to deepen cooperation in people-to-people exchanges.

Liu and Gabriel signed a joint declaration on the establishment of the mechanism.