According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, on October 23, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced:
At the invitation of President Xi Jinping, German President Angela Merkel will pay a state visit to China from October 27 to 31.
October 23, Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning presided over a regular press conference.
A reporter asked if the spokesperson had just announced that President Steinmeier would visit China. Could you provide information about the arrangements for this visit? How does China evaluate the current Sino-German relations, and what are its expectations regarding this visit?
Mao Ning stated that this visit marks the first time in 8 years that a German president has visited China. During the visit, President Xi Jinping will hold talks with President Steinmeier. Premier Li Keqiang and Chairman Zhao Leji will also meet to exchange views on bilateral relations and issues of common concern. In addition to Beijing, President Steinmeier will also visit Anhui Province.
As the world's second and third largest economies, the healthy and stable development of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Germany is in the interests of both sides and reflects the expectations of Europe and the world. Over the past 54 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, mutual respect and trust have been the stable foundation of Sino-German relations, while mutual benefit has been the key to the success of Sino-German cooperation. The two countries have reached strategic consensus through close collaboration and achieved common prosperity through practical cooperation, truly benefiting the people of both countries.
President Steinmeier is a long-time friend of the Chinese people and has made positive contributions to the development of Sino-German relations. The Chinese side wishes to work with the German side, taking this visit as an opportunity, to strengthen mutual trust, deepen cooperation, and seek innovation together. We aim to promote greater development in Sino-German relations and contribute to the stable and long-term progress of China-Europe relations, injecting more positive energy into the world.
