Premier Li Keqiang held a phone conversation with German Chancellor Angela Merkel on the evening of Sept 4.

Both sides positively evaluated the Sino-Germany relationship and achievements made through bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

Merkel said that Germany attaches great importance to developing its ties with China. She also stated that with her upcoming official visit to China, her 12th, Germany is looking forward to deepening cooperation with China and sending a positive signal for maintaining a sound momentum of development in the bilateral relationship facing the current complex international situation.

Premier Li expressed his welcome for Merkel’s visit and said that China and Germany are facing many common challenges while the international situation is undergoing profound and complex changes.

China is willing to join Germany in enhancing mutual understanding and trust, deepening all-around cooperation, and safeguarding multilateralism and free trade, in order to promote sustained and sound development of the Sino-Germany relationship.

Both leaders also exchanged views on issues of common concern.