Chinese, German PMs meet before official talks

BEIJING, July 6 -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Sunday evening held a brief meeting with visiting German Chancellor Angela Merkel, before their official talks scheduled on Monday morning.

Li said he is looking forward to the official talks with Merkel on Monday, which will promote the two countries' mutual trust, deepen their cooperation in such areas as trade, finance, sustained development and culture, and strengthen their communication and coordination on major international and regional affairs.

On Monday, Li will hold a red-carpet welcoming ceremony for Merkel, who is on her seventh China visit as chancellor. The two prime ministers will have official talks and meet the press at the Great Hall of the People. Li will also accompany Merkel to visit the Temple of Heaven, a famous scenic spot in Beijing.

Calling Germany an important cooperative partner, Li said China was ready to work with it to promote a sound development of their comprehensive strategic partnership.

He said Merkel's tour in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, also the first leg of her China visit, will help strengthen the cooperation between west China and Germany.

Merkel, on her side, said the bilateral relations with China are very important. To strengthen their cooperation will not only benefit the two countries but also give positive influence to the world.

Saying her stay in Chengdu very impressive, Merkel added that Germany will expand comprehensive cooperation with China, conduct close communication and coordination on international and regional affairs, promote the bilateral ties to achieve more results, and jointly promote world's peace and development.

Li also briefed Merkel with China's current development, saying the national development and improvement of people's livelihood are still a priority of the government.

He said China needs a peaceful and stable external environment to develop. Taking history as a mirror will help better view the future and cherish the peace.

China will unswervingly abide by a peaceful development path, and work with all other countries to make unremitting efforts for a world with lasting peace and common prosperity, the prime minister noted.

After the meeting, Li also host a small banquet for Merkel, besides the official welcome banquet scheduled on Monday.

Merkel went to the Diaoyutai State Guest House, where the meeting was held, upon her arrival in Beijing. During her stay in Chengdu on Sunday morning, she also attended a forum on urbanization cooperation between the Sichuan Province and Germany.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and top legislator Zhang Dejiang will also meet Merkel during her China visit.