Germany is an all-around strategic partner of China and China values Sino-German relations, Premier Li Keqiang said while meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Beijing on Sept 6.

Amid downward pressure from the world economy and rising protectionism and unilateralism, Premier Li said the communication and bilateral ties between the two nations could promote China-Europe relations and contribute to world peace, stability, and prosperity.

He said the two nations should uphold multilateralism and free trade within the WTO and expand market access to each other in the spirit of openness and inclusion.

China, said Premier Li, will not change its policy on opening-up and attracting foreign investment, and the country will strengthen intellectual property rights protection.

He also expressed his hope that Germany could maintain an open market to China, ease export restrictions on civil technology, support expansion of air traffic rights between the two nations, and offer equal and fair treatment to Chinese enterprises in investment review and market access.

"We are willing to deepen cooperation with the German side in autonomous driving, technical innovation, artificial technology, and vocational education, and enhance exchanges between the youth," Premier Li said.

He said that China values the position and role of Europe and is willing to establish good relations, strengthen dialogue, and enhance mutual trust with the new leadership of EU institutions.

The two sides should accelerate the China-Europe investment agreement and the negotiation on geographical indication, said the Premier.

Merkel expressed her happiness to visit China for the 12th time as German chancellor, and said China has made remarkable achievements in development in the past decades, particularly after joining the WTO.

China's increasingly close trade with other nations has brought benefits and mutually beneficial results to all sides, she said.

In the international financial crisis in 2008, China, said Merkel, made great contributions as a responsible nation and promoted the recovery of the world economy.

Like any other nation, China has its right to develop and it is in line with all nations for the Chinese people to have a good life, she said.

Merkel said the relationship between China and Germany covers wide fields and that both sides are supporters of multilateralism and free trade.

The German side, she said, is expecting a new round of government talks between the two sides in Beijing next year, and will push forward a conclusion of the China-Europe investment agreement negotiation within its rotating EU presidency to build a more reliable trade partnership.

Germany welcomes China's recent opening-up measures in finance, insurance, and the service industry, and is willing to partner with the country more in autonomous driving, digitization, and vocational education, Merkel said.

She also expressed her welcome to Chinese enterprises and called for more cultural communication between both countries’ young.

The two sides also exchanged views on international and regional issues of common concern.

After the meeting, Premier Li and Merkel witnessed the signing of several bilateral agreements and met the press.

Before the meeting, Premier Li held a welcome ceremony at the east plaza of the Great Hall of the People for the German chancellor.

State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Vice-Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Wan Gang, Vice-Chairman of the National Committee of the CPPCC and head of the National Development and Reform Commission He Lifeng also attended the activities.