China, Germany agree to enhance cooperation within G20

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang met with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Thursday in Berlin, agreeing to strengthen cooperation within the framework of the Group of 20 (G20).

China supports Germany in hosting a successful G20 summit scheduled for July in Hamburg, said Li, hoping that the gathering could help build up consensus and improve global economic governance.

Li conveyed the cordial greetings from Chinese President Xi Jinping to Steinmeier, saying the close high-level contacts have effectively boosted the development of bilateral relations.

Uncertainties in international political and economic situation are growing, while at the same time the trend of peace, development and cooperation as well as economic globalization is irresistible, said Li.

"During my visit, China and Germany reached important consensus on safeguarding world peace and multilateralism as well as supporting liberalization and facilitation of trade and investment, which is in itself a signal of stability to the world," he said.

Li reaffirmed China's position on climate change as well as other international and regional hotspot issues, and hoped to join Germany in tackling global challenges and contribute to global and regional peace, stability and prosperity.

Steinmeier welcomed Li's visit to Germany and spoke positively of the outcome of the trip.

He said it is important for Germany and China to enhance high-level exchanges against the background of a volatile international situation.

Germany supports an open global trading system, said the president, adding that he apprieciates China's responsible position on combating climate change.

He said Germany is willing to deepen cooperation with China in trade, people-to-people exchanges and the G20 affairs for a better development of Germany-China partnership.

Li wrapped up his visit to Berlin Thursday afternoon and has arrived in Brussels for a visit to Belgium where he will also attend the 19th China-EU leaders' meeting on Friday.