BERLIN — Germany and China vowed in Berlin on Sept 1 to uphold multilateralism on international affairs and to promote bilateral ties.

The remarks were made when German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier met visiting Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

Steinmeier stressed that Germany always attaches great importance to its relations with China, and is willing to maintain closer and lasting ties with China, which is especially necessary under the current tense international situation.

Germany reaffirms its one-China principle, and its position of multilateralism in international affairs, said the president, adding that Germany disagrees with the so-called "decoupling," and doesn't want the world to be divided against each other.

Wang said that when the prevention and control of COVID-19 have become a regular practice, his visit to Germany and Europe shows that China values its relations with Germany and Europe.

China is willing to work together with Germany and the European Union to prepare for important agenda for the next stage — on the one hand, strengthening international cooperation against the coronavirus, such as vaccine development and application, to overcome the pandemic; on the other hand, upholding and practicing multilateralism and opposing unilateral bullying, to safeguard the basic norms governing international relations and the international fairness and justice, said Wang.

The two sides also exchanged views on the current international situation, Sino-German cooperation and other issues of common concern.