On January 15, Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi held talks with German Vice Chancellor and Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs Guido Westerwelle in Beijing.

Yang said that in recent years China-Germany relations have in general maintained a good momentum for development. A review of bilateral relations revealed the following three important points. First, both sides should understand and support each other on major issues concerning national unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity. Second, common interests on wide ranges inject strong impetus into China-Germany relations. Third, both sides will gradually narrow differences and deepen mutual trust so long as they respect each other and engage in equal dialogue.

Yang said it is very important for China and Germany to enhance cooperation under the current complex and changing international situation. China is ready to make joint efforts with Germany in the following four aspects to push bilateral ties to a new level. First, enhance exchanges at all levels. Both sides should give full play to the role of China-Germany strategic dialogue and China-Germany Dialogue Forum to build up mutual understanding and trust. Second, deepen pragmatic cooperation. Both sides should take tackling the global financial crisis as an opportunity to expand cooperation areas and jointly oppose trade and investment protectionism. Third, strengthen humanities exchanges. Both sides should promote exchanges between the youth of the two countries as well as contacts at local levels and continue to support the event series themed “Germany and China –Moving Ahead Together”. The Chinese culture year will be held in Germany in 2012 when the two countries celebrate the 40th anniversary of their diplomatic ties. Fourth, deepen communication and coordination in international and regional affairs. Both sides should further enhance cooperation between the two Foreign Ministries.

Westerwelle said Germany attaches importance to developing cooperative partnership with China and is ready to maintain exchanges and dialogue at all levels based on mutual respect, go beyond differences, expand common interests, explore mutually beneficial cooperation and enhance communication and coordination in international affairs.

On China-EU relations, Yang said as a developing country, China is committed to the road of peaceful development and China’s development is an opportunity for Europe. China attaches great importance to Europe, supports the European integration process and is actively committed to pushing for in-depth development of China-EU comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. Westerwelle said Germany is ready to make contributions to promoting EU-China relations.

Both sides also exchanged views on climate change, the Iranian nuclear, Afghanistan and other issues.