BEIJING, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Wednesday evening held a phone conversation with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, with the two countries agreeing to promote bilateral cooperation.

Li and Merkel spoke positively about the progress made in Sino-German relations and cooperation in the phone talk held upon the invitation of the German side.

The German side attaches importance to developing relations with China, said Merkel, who has made 11 trips to China as German chancellor.

The chancellor said she looks forward to strengthening bilateral cooperation during her upcoming 12th visit.

Germany expects the visit to demonstrate that Germany and China will maintain a sound development momentum of bilateral relations in the face of the current complicated international situation, Merkel said.

Li welcomed Merkel's visit to China, and said the two countries face many common challenges against the background of profound and complex changes at the international level.

China stands ready to work with Germany to enhance understanding and mutual trust, strengthen comprehensive cooperation, uphold multilateralism and free trade, and promote the sustained and healthy development of bilateral relations, Li said.

The two sides also exchanged views on issues of common concern.