(Photo/CGTN)

Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed bilateral ties and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)'s nuclear issue over the phone with German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Thursday.

The cooperation between the two countries plays an increasingly significant role in safeguarding world peace, stability and promoting joint development, Xi told Merkel.

China is willing to work together with Germany in multilateral frameworks, he added.

Merkel also said that Germany is willing to keep communicating and coordinating with China on major international and regional issues.

On DPRK issue

In the phone call, the two leaders exchanged views about the situation on the Korean Peninsula.

Xi stressed that China is committed to the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

Facts have repeatedly shown that the nuclear issue can only be settled through peaceful means, including dialogue and consultation, Xi said.

He further added that concerted efforts by the international community are needed to solve the Korean Peninsula issue.

Germany supports resolving the issue through political means and is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with China in order to find a solution as soon as possible, Merkel said.