The existing Sino-German partnership of overall cooperation, based on mutual trust and benefit and equality, can score new progress with concerted efforts, Chinese President Hu Jintao said in Beijing Monday.

In a meeting with German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, Hu said that in recent years, bilateral ties have maintained a good momentum of fast growth, as high-level exchanges of visits are on the rise and political mutual trust has been strengthened.

The economic and trade cooperation is growing rapidly, as bilateral trade volume in the first 10 months this year far exceeded the total of last year, Hu said, adding that Germany is the largest trading partner of China in Europe.

The two countries have also achieved new progress in exchanges and cooperation in fields of science and technology, culture, education, public health and law, while keeping close consultation and coordination in international affairs, Hu said.

Appreciating the German government's persistent adherence to the "one-China" policy and its efforts in attaching importance to bilateral ties, Hu said China is willing to join hands with Germany to continue to push forward this relationship in an all-round and in-depth way.

Fully agreeing with Hu's positive comment on the Germany-China ties, Schroeder said that to maintain close cooperation is beneficial to the two peoples, and very important for the Europe-China relations.

The German people will never forget China's persistent support for the reunification of Germany, and they will firmly abide by the "one-China" policy, Schroeder said.

Speaking highly of China's rapid progress, he said Germany highly values China's important role and influence in international affairs, and is willing to make concerted efforts with China to boost mutually beneficial and friendly cooperation in all fields.

The two leaders also exchanged views on regional hot issues and issues related to the world economy and trade.

Schroeder arrived in the Chinese capital Monday morning for a four-day official visit. Besides Beijing, he is also expected to visit the cities of Guangzhou and Chengdu.

(Xinhua News Agency December 2, 2003)