Premier Li Keqiang called for healthy, stable development of relations between China and Germany while meeting with Vice Chancellor and Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel on May 24 in Beijing.

Gabriel is in Beijing to attend the first meeting of the high-level China-Germany people-to-people exchange dialogue.

Premier Li said the China-Germany relationship is of positive significance for both nations, Europe and even the entire world.

At the invitation of Chancellor Angela Merkel, Premier Li will pay an official visit to Germany for their annual meeting. He said he hoped his visit will enhance political mutual trust, tap the cooperation potential of mutual benefits, and strengthen people-to-people exchanges.

As uncertain and unstable factors are still prominent in current global political and economic situations, the Premier said he hoped his meeting with Merkel will send a strong signal for supporting economic globalization and free trade, maintaining regional peace and stability, and promoting prosperous development.

Premier Li stressed that, by respecting each other’s core interests and major concerns, China is willing to join efforts with Germany to address differences, and promote in-depth development of bilateral relations and pragmatic cooperation to bring more benefits to people from both nations.

Gabriel said that Germany and China enjoy solid relations, which should be cherished by both sides. As this year is an important milestone in the bilateral relationship, marking 45 years of diplomatic ties, both nations carried out frequent high-level exchanges, which have offered important opportunities for further cooperation.

The success of the first meeting of the China-Germany people-to-people exchange dialogue has opened a new chapter for bilateral exchanges and cooperation, Gabriel added.

He said Germany looks forward to Premier Li’s visit, and is willing to expand cooperation in various fields to promote bilateral ties to a new high and work together to build a world of free trade.