On January 31, 2008, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Yesui met with visiting German Federal Environment Minister Sigmar Gabriel and his entourage in the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

Zhang expressed welcome to Gabriel for his visit, regarding it as of great significance. Zhang said with the joint efforts of both sides, China-Germany relationship has overcome difficulties arising over the past period and began to go back to its normal track. The Chinese government has always attached great importance to developing ties with Germany, he said, adding that to maintain and develop sound relations between China and Germany is in the fundamental interests of the two countries and their peoples. Against the background of deepening globalization, the two countries are facing increasing common challenges with broad prospect for cooperation, he noted. China is ready to work with Germany to push for all-round development of bilateral relations based on the principles of mutual respect, equality, mutual benefits and non-interference in each other's internal affairs, added Zhang.

Gabriel said Germany is pleased with bilateral relations returning to the normal track. The German government attaches great importance to ties with China and will continue to adopt the positive policy towards China and adhere to the one-China policy. He expressed his country's willingness to make joint efforts with China to continuously consolidate and deepen bilateral cooperation in all areas.

Both sides also exchanged views on such issues as bilateral cooperation on environmental protection, climate change and energy policy.

Gabriel and his entourage are scheduled to visit China from January 30 to February 1, at the invitation of the State Environmental Protection Administration of China. Before arriving in Beijing, they have already visited Guangdong.