While meeting with visiting German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder in Beijing, Hu said that the advancement of China's relations with Germany and with Europe is in the fundamental interests of both parties and is conducive to world peace, stability and development.

In the past 30 years since the forging of diplomatic ties between the two countries, and especially during recent years, bilateral relations have progressed vigorously, with a frequent exchange of high-level contacts and visits and increasingly deep mutual understanding and trust, Hu said.

Given the surge in bilateral trade volume, China and Germany have become important economic and trade partners, he said. Their cooperation in new and high technology has been very effective, and the exchange in educational, cultural and legal spheres have also registered new progress.

Meanwhile, Hu highly appreciated the German government's adherence to the one-China policy, acknowledging that China attaches importance to the significant role and influence Germany has played and exerted in promoting European integration and in safeguarding world peace and stability.

Hu also briefed the guest on the 16th National Congress of the Communist Party of China. The two sides also exchanged views on other issues of common concern.

Chancellor Schroeder, who is on his fourth visit to China, said Germany values its long-term friendship and cooperation with China, and that furtherance of bilateral ties conforms to the interests of both sides.

He said the two nations shared views on many international issues, and that both attach importance to the legitimate role of the United Nations (UN) in international affairs. Given Germany's high regard for China's status in the international community, the chancellor said his country hopes to intensify consultations and cooperation with China within the UN framework.

He also expressed his full belief that under the guidance of the new leadership, China will maintain the continuity of its policy towards Germany, and their cooperative ties in all fields will record still greater progress.

Chinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan attended the meeting.

(Xinhua News Agency December 31, 2002)