President Jiang Meets Former German Chancellor

President Jiang Meets Former German Chancellor

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President Jiang Zemin met with former German Chancellor Helmut Schmidt in Beijing on Friday, December 1.

Jiang said that at the turn of the century, the international situation is undergoing major and profound changes, and the development of a multi-polar world and economic globalization is independent from man's will, which is a natural trend of the times. He added that safeguarding world peace and promoting common development are still two main themes facing mankind.

He said that Sino-German relations have been developing well, and the two countries have shared much in common politically and their economies are highly complementary. There is enormous potential for the growth of bilateral relations, Jiang added.

He expressed the hope that Sino-German cooperation in political, economic, scientific, technological, cultural and other areas will be even more fruitful in the years ahead.

China hopes that Germany will play an even greater role in Europe and the world at large, he added.

Schmidt, who is visiting China at the invitation of the Chinese People's Institute of Foreign Affairs, said that each time he visits China, he can see China's progress in economic and social aspects, adding that he will continue his efforts to promote the development of relations between the two countries.

Premier Zhu Meets Schmidt

Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji met with Helmut Schmidt, former German Federal Chancellor, in Beijing Friday, December 1.

Zhu said that as an old friend of China, Schmidt has made great contributions to promoting Sino-German relations. China is thankful for his efforts in this regard.

He noted that current Sino-German relations have grown smoothly, and the two countries have common ground in many fields.

The premier added that the economic relations between the two countries have expanded rapidly, and bilateral trade volume reached US$18 billion this year.

China and Germany have great potential for cooperation, and it is important to promote mutual understanding, Zhu said.

He expressed his welcome to more German visitors to China so that they can learn more about China.

He said that he hopes Schmidt will continue his efforts to expand Sino-German relations.

Zhu also briefed the guests on China's economic construction and its strategy to expand the west.