Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao meets with German President Horst Koehler at the latter's presidential residence in Berlin

On January 29, 2009, German President Horst Koehler met with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao at the presidential residence in Berlin.

Wen hailed the sound momentum for the development of Sino-German relations and frequent high-level exchanges between both sides. The trade volume exceeded 100 billion US dollars for the first time in 2008 despite the international financial crisis, which showed huge vitality and potential of China-Germany trade cooperation.

Wen pointed out that China and Germany, as influential countries in the world, have sent a positive message of confidence, hope and courage to the world by strengthening mutual trust and cooperation amid the current complicated and serious international political and economic landscape. Their enhanced mutual trust and cooperation will also be helpful to alleviating the difficulties facing the two countries. Wen also briefed Koehler on China's views and proposals regarding the current international financial crisis, as well as the measures the country has taken.

Agreeing with Wen's views on bilateral ties, Koehler said the two nations should join hands to overcome challenges and curb trade protectionism. The German side appreciates the measures by the Chinese government to expand domestic demand, and welcomes China to increase its imports from Germany, he said. Germany has the confidence that China will overcome the crisis and maintain a steady and relatively fast economic growth, which is in the interest of Germany and the world at large, he said.

On the same day, Wen also met with German Vice Chancellor and Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

Wen Jiabao also attended a spring festival gala held at the Chinese Cultural Center by the Chinese Embassy in Germany as well as local overseas Chinese and Chinese students. Premier Wen and all the participants sang in chorus Ode to the Motherland. In an enthusiastic speech delivered at the gathering, Premier Wen introduced China's domestic development and encouraged all those present to stay firm in love for and confidence in the motherland. He also called on them to work hard for great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and contribute to China's friendly exchanges with foreign countries.