Jiang said China has always believed the countries of the world are diverse and that most nations hope the next century will be peaceful, stable and prosperous.

Echoing Jiang's remarks, Fischer said Germany also supports a multipolar world, and believes China plays an important role in maintaining peace and stability.

Fischer expressed his desire to strengthen links with China in international affairs.

Valuing the sound development of Sino-German relations, Jiang said China attaches great importance to relations with Germany, China's largest trade partner in Europe.

Bilateral trade volume has increased rapidly in recent years. In 1999, trade volume between the nations soared to US$16.11 billion, with an increase of 12.1 percent over the previous year. Germany now ranks ninth in the world in terms of foreign investment in China.

Jiang said he hoped that friendly cooperation between the two can be strengthened in other areas.

During later meetings with Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan, Fischer reiterated his wish to expand cooperation with China.

Tang responded that the on-going China-Germany 2000 Conference on Environment Cooperation is an example of the progress relations between the two nations has made at all levels.

Dialogue between the two countries is vital for relations and Fischer pledged that Germany will adhere to the one-China policy.

(China Daily 12/13/2000)