President of China Xi Jinping met with the visiting German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Friday at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, and the two sides vowed to deepen bilateral cooperation in various fields, Reuters reports.
Xi noted that Scholz is the first European leader to visit China after the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), and that it is his first official visit to China as the Federal Chancellor.
He said that Scholz's visit will further enhance the mutual understanding and trust between the two sides and deepen cooperation in various fields, and gives the two sides an opportunity to plan for the growth of bilateral ties going forward.
Stressing that this year marks the 50th anniversary of China-Germany diplomatic relations, Xi said the five-decade journey shows that as long as the two sides follow the principles of mutual respect, agreeing to differ, maintaining exchanges and mutual learning, and pursuing win-win cooperation, the overall course of the bilateral ties will remain on the right track with steady progress.
Against the backdrop of current complex and changeable international situation, Xi said that China and Germany as two major countries with considerable influence should all the more work together in the changing and uncertain situation and contribute more to global peace and development.
Xi briefed Scholz on the 20th CPC National Congress, especially on the substantial meaning of the Chinese path to modernization.
Xi pointed out the necessity to advance cooperation with Germany in new energy, artificial intelligence, digitalization and other new areas while expanding cooperation in traditional fields.
On China-European Union (EU) ties, Xi said that China is ready to advance coordination and cooperation with Germany and the EU on international affairs, and jointly seek solutions to global issues such as climate change, biodiversity protection and food security.
Scholz said that Germany hopes to enhance communication and coordination with China to better maintain regional and world peace and security.
Viewing China as an important economic and trade partner of Germany and Europe, Scholz said that Germany firmly supports trade liberalization and economic globalization, opposes "decoupling" from China, and is ready to enhance economic, trade and investment cooperation with China.
Germany is also willing to discuss with China topics where the two sides had different perspectives, said the German Chancellor.
The two leaders also exchanged views on the Ukraine crisis.
After the meeting, Xi held a welcoming banquet in honor of Scholz at the Golden Hall of the Great Hall of the People.
