Yang Jiechi Meets with German Chancellor Merkel
2011/12/08

On December 7, 2011, Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, who is in Berlin for China-Germany Foreign Ministerial Strategic Dialogue, met with German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Yang said that great progress has been made in China-Germany strategic partnership in recent years with joint efforts of both sides. Facing the international financial crisis, the cooperation between the two countries has not only spurred the steady growth of their respective economy but also made an important contribution to the global economic recovery and growth, Yang added. With the world economy faced with rising instability and uncertainty, the two countries should continue to carry forward the spirit of helping each another, show sincerity in open cooperation, strengthen cooperation and exchanges at all levels, and advance the development of the bilateral and China-EU relations, said the Chinese minister. Yang said that China supports the EU and eurozone nations' efforts in combating the debt troubles, creating job opportunities and restoring economic growth.

During the talks, Merkel spoke highly of bilateral ties, saying that the inter-governmental consultation and other mechanisms between Germany and China facilitated communication and deepened mutual trust, enabling the cooperation of the two sides to move forward in a more pragmatic and systematic way. The chancellor also thanked China for its support to the EU's response to the debt crisis.

Both sides also exchanged views on international and regional issues of common concern.