On the afternoon of November 10, 2005, Chinese President Hu Jintao held talks with his German counterpart Horst Koehler in Berlin and both sides exchanged in-depth views on furthering bilateral relations and major international issues of common interest. Both sides indicated that they will make joint efforts to make bilateral partnership of global responsibility score new achievements in the new century and bring more benefits to both peoples.

Prior to the talks, President Koehler held a grand welcoming ceremony for Hu in the renowned Charlottenburg Palace. When Hu and his wife Liu Yongqing arrived at the square of the Palace in a car, Koehler and his wife who were waiting there stepped forward to warmly welcome the guests. After the military band played the national anthems of both countries, President Hu, who was accompanied by Koehler, paraded the three-service honor guard of Germany.

Hu and Koehler started talks in a cordial and friendly atmosphere. Koehler said that China's rapid development over the past more than 20 years has attracted attention from the international community and China's impact and role in international affairs have been increasingly expanded. Germany very much cherishes its friendly relations with China and hopes to continuously strengthen bilateral exchanges and cooperation in various areas.

Hu noted that both Chinese and German people are great and both countries are nations of great significance in the world. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1972, bilateral relations have witnessed sound development with fruitful cooperation in the political, economic and cultural areas. The situation, in which bilateral relations have always maintained smooth progress, is due to the following two reasons. First, bilateral relations enjoy a solid political foundation with no direct conflict of interests between both sides and China has always supported Germany's reunification, while Germany has adhered to the one-China policy for a long period of time, supported China's peaceful reunification and opposed "Taiwan independence". Second, both sides attach great importance to developing bilateral relations. In May 2004, both sides issued a joint statement, declaring the establishment of a partnership of global responsibility within the framework of China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership. This is a strategic decision jointly made by both sides.

Hu pointed out that under the current international situation, to further develop bilateral relations is conducive to promoting China-EU relations, as well as world peace, stability and prosperity. China would like to continue maintaining bilateral high-level exchanges and strengthen political dialogue and consultations; expand bilateral economic and trade cooperation, welcome the German economic community to expand investment in China and encourage Chinese businesses with strength to invest in Germany; actively push for exchanges and cooperation in the areas of science and technology, education, culture and environmental protection; maintain communication and coordination on major international issues. He expressed belief that with the joint efforts by both sides, China-Germany partnership of global responsibility will continuously bear new fruits.

Koehler expressed agreement with Hu's comments on bilateral relations and his suggestions on furthering bilateral relations. He emphasized that Germany's policy towards China will maintain it continuity and his country will continue comprehensively implementing the cooperation defined in the joint statement between both governments

Koehler indicated that he paid close attention to China's economic and social developments and highly appreciated the achievements of the Chinese government in poverty reduction. Hu introduced China's current economic and social developments and its policy towards neighboring countries upon request. Hu stressed that China adopts the foreign policy of treating neighbors well and as partners and would like to build up mutual trust, expand cooperation and realize mutual benefits with neighboring countries. China's development will only bring about opportunities to other Asian countries and contribute to Asia's economic growth. It is neither an impediment nor even a threat to anyone.

The two heads of state also exchanged views on supporting accelerated development of developing countries especially African ones. Hu indicated that China has always attached great importance to Africa. To strengthen friendly cooperation with African countries and offer assistance within available resources has been an important part of China's foreign policy. China will continue making its own contributions to supporting accelerated development of African nations.

Following the talks, the two heads of state jointly attended the signing ceremony of the agreement on cultural cooperation between the two governments and the document on bilateral cooperation in the areas of transportation, health and communications.

Following the signing ceremony, the two leads jointly met with journalists from the Chinese, German and international media. Both heads of state made highly positive comments on sound development momentum of current bilateral relations and briefed on the important consensus reached between both sides during the talks, indicating that both sides will take effective measures to steadily develop bilateral cooperative relations.

State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan and other Chinese companions attended the talks.