From March 19 to 20, 2012, at the invitation of State Secretary of German Foreign Ministry Haber, Vice Foreign Minister Song Tao attended the China-Germany vice foreign minister-level political consultation in Germany.

On March 19, Song told Haber during the consultation that China-Germany relations continue showing the sound momentum of development. Chancellor Angela Merkel successfully visited China last month, the bilateral trade cooperation hit a historical record of US$169.15 billion last year and new measures are being taken for further growth. The bilateral cultural exchanges are expanding. China is willing to work with Germany to raise the bilateral relations to higher levels.

Haber spoke highly of the bilateral relations and said that Germany-China relations should be viewed from a broader perspective. The development of bilateral ties is beneficial not only to both countries but also to the EU-China relations and even world peace and development.

The two sides also exchanged opinions on China-EU relations and international issues of common concern.

On March 20, German Federal Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle met with Song.

Song Tao and German Federal Foreign Minister