Chinese President Hu Jintao discussed ways of promoting bilateral relations with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in a telephone conversation on Thursday.

In the telephone conversation, Hu said the development of relations between China and Germany has maintained a good momentum.

China and Germany, as two influential countries in the world, share broad interests and consensus on some major issues such as safeguarding world peace and promoting common development, he said.

China has steadfastly attached importance to the Sino-German ties from a long-term perspective and a strategic altitude, and is willing to work with the German side to bring the global responsibility-sharing partnership to a new high.

The Chinese president also said that the upcoming summit of G8 members and developing countries to be held in Germany will be conducive to strengthening dialogue between the north and south, as well as to pushing for mapping out solutions to global challenges.

China will work, in the spirit of equal partnership, with leaders of Germany and other countries participating in the summit for an in-depth exchange of views on prominent global issues, and jointly make the dialogue a success, Hu said.

Merkel said Germany attaches great importance to relations with China and that she was looking forward to her visit to China in the second half of 2007.

Merkel also briefed Hu on the ongoing preparation for hosting the summit and Germany's relevant considerations, expressing her hope that the Chinese side will play a positive role in the meeting.

(Xinhua News Agency June 1, 2007)