On April 9, 2002, President Jiang Zemin held talks with German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder. The two sides had an in-depth exchange of views on bilateral relations and international and regional issues of common concern, and reached broad consensus.

Schroeder extended the warmest welcome to Jiang for his second state visit to Germany in 7 years. He pointed out that the overall Germany-China cooperation has developed smoothly, with fruitful results. Jiang's visit will help the two sides to review past achievements in bilateral cooperation and make healthy exploration in future development. Jiang's important visit will push bilateral relations to develop rapidly.

Jiang expressed gladness to meet Schroeder the fourth time in three years. He pointed out that this year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two nations. In the past three decades, the world patten and domestic situations in China and Germany have undergone profound changes. However, what remains unchanged is the fact that China and Germany continue to develop and strengthen friendly relations and cooperation. There have been frequent exchange of visits, mutual understanding and trust. A coordiantion and cooperation mechanism at many levels have been established between the departments of the two countries. Bilateral economic cooperation and trade have been expanding.

Jiang said that both China and Germany are countries of major influence in the world and their respective regions. We share many identical views and common interests on a series of major international issues. China values Germany's increasingly important status and influence and would like to see Germany playing a more active role in European and international affairs. It is in the fundamental interests of the two countries and peoples to establish all-round friendly relations and cooperation of long-term stability between the two countries. China put forward a four-point proposal to bring China-Germany relationship to a new high in the new century. First, the two sides should continue contacts and exchange of visits at the top level so as to deepen mutual understanding and trust, and implement the consensus that has been reached. Second, both countries should focus on future and expand cooperation. They should further develop cooperation in the fields of politics, economy and culture, explore more cooperation sectors and channels, and strengthen people-to-people contacts, especially those between their youths. Third, both countries should enhance mutual consultations and coordination, and further strengthen bilateral consultation on regional and international issues and cooperation in the UN and other international organizations. Fourth, the two sides should promote mutual respect and increase understanding. The differences in social systems, cultural traditions, values and economic developments should not hinder bilateral cooperation, rather, they should promote exchanges. The two sides should proceed from a strategic high and the long-term interests of the two countries and enhance trust and expand common ground on the basis of mutual respect and equal consultation.

Schroeder said that the German government attaches great importance to developing all-round cooperation with China. Jiang's proposal is far-reaching and significant in enhancing mutually beneficial cooperation in various sectors. He agreed that the two countries should expand their bilateral exchanges at different levels and in various fields, and maintain frequent dialogue and coordination on issues of mutual concern. There still exists huge potential for bilateral cooperation in economy, trade, culture, education, science and technology, and both sides should further combine their efforts to make their cooperation achieve continued and concrete results.

The two leaders also exchanged views on international and regional issues of commonc concern. Jiang briefed Schroeder on China's view and position on the current situation in the Middle East at the latter's request. He stressed that that U.N. resolutions should be implemented. Israel should stop its military operations and withdraw from the occupied Palestinian territories immediately, and maintain the authority of the Palestinian National Authority led by Chairman Arafat, which is conducive to easing the current tension. China appreciates Germany's peace-making efforts and hopes that Germany and the EU should play a more active role on the Middle East issue.