2017年CRI China, Germany pledge to lift bilateral ties to higher levels（在线收听）

After discussing a wide array of issues, Chinese President Xi Jinping and German Chancellor Angela Merkel have agreed to lift bilateral relations to new and higher levels.

CRI’s Yu Yang has the story.

During a joint news conference with Merkel in Berlin, Xi Jinping hailed the development of the Sino-German diplomatic ties as a "successful story".

Then, he said bilateral relations are now about to have a new start which calls for new breakthroughs. 

"This year we celebrate the 45th anniversary of the relationship between Germany and China. It is a story of success. Now we now face a new beginning, in which we need new breakthroughs."

Xi Jinping said China is ready to join Germany in consolidating mutual trust, building up more consensus, and promoting bilateral cooperation and connectivity.

To better promote bilateral ties, the Chinese president called for closer high-level exchanges with Germany.

He said both sides need to to foster cooperation and jointly promote their common interests.

"We need to have an open and innovative cooperation. We want to intensify our cooperation in the areas of trade and economy, finances, and investments but also in the fight against terrorism together."

The Chinese leader also urged the two sides to give full play to a newly launched plan involving High-Level People-to-People Exchanges and dialogue that aim to deepen cooperation in education, science and technology, culture, politics, and other areas.

The German Chancellor said the meeting also touched upon an investment treaty that would ultimately turn into a full-blown free trade agreement. 

"We want a fast agreement on investments that one day could lead to a free trade agreement with China."

In addition, the two leaders discussed bilateral cooperation in countries such as in Africa and Afghanistan, with Angela Merkel highlighting an agreement to jointly build a hydroelectric power plant in Angola.

"We discussed the bilateral possibility to cooperate with third countries. we have just signed an agreement to build a hydro power station in Angola. So we can act together in Africa or in Afghanistan." 

The meeting took place just two days ahead of the G20 summit in Hamburg that US President Donald Trump is also due to attend.

Merkel has lashed out at Trump's administration for taking a view against globalization, for which Germany and China have offered staunch support.