Visiting German President Johannes Rau said in Shanghai Sunday that the relationship between the two countries was important for both sides.

Rau spoke during a speech delivered at China's prestigious Fudan University. He noted that science bears special meaning to mankind's future and he saw Germany-China exchanges and cooperation in the scientific fields bring mutual benefit to the two countries.

Facing about 500 attentive students and teachers, Rau said he hoped Chinese students would learn German and go to study in Germany, and he vowed that he would encourage more German students to go to China to further their studies.

Rau also spoke on cooperation in the fields of environment, telecommunication and sanitation.

When asked about his impression of this China trip, The German president said he was amazed to see the remarkable efforts that had China made for the 21st century.

An optimistic, powerful and dynamic China is striding toward a new epoch, which was especially evident in Shanghai, Rau said.
 
(Xinhua News Agency September 15, 2003)