President Hu Jintao and visiting German President Horst Kohler
yesterday pledged to increase bilateral collaboration in all areas
to take the Sino-German partnership to a new high.
"We should expand and strengthen cooperation, especially in
finance, insurance, infrastructure, energy, the environment and
high-tech industries," Hu said during his meeting with Kohler in
the Great Hall of the People.
He also called for more consultation on such issues as climate
change, energy security, environmental protection and prevention of
diseases, as well as major international issues.
Beijing will help Germany stage a series of cultural activities
in China from this year to 2010 and encourage exchanges of youth
between the two countries, he said.
Kohler said he hoped the cultural activities over the next three
years "will help the Chinese understand Germany better to
strengthen understanding and friendship".
He said his country will continue to work with China to maintain
global peace and development.
After the meeting, Hu and Kohler witnessed the signing of three
agreements, including a joint program of the two countries'
national museums and a Sino-German hospital in Shanghai.
The joint-ventured hospital will begin operation with some 250
beds upon completion in 2009.
Kohler arrived in China on Wednesday. He is also scheduled to
meet Premier Wen Jiabao before flying to Shanghai this afternoon
where he will deliver a speech at Tongji University, which is
celebrating its 100th anniversary.
(China Daily May 25, 2007)
