President Hu Jintao on Thursday told visiting German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier that China will work with Germany to enhance bilateral ties within the framework of Sino-EU strategic partnerships.

 

Hu spoke highly of Sino-German relations while meeting with Steinmeier at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

 

Hu said he appreciates German new government's adherence to the one-China policy and the high priority it gives to relations with China.

 

Sino-German relations are based on a firm political foundation, Hu said.

 

Steinmeier said that friendly relations with China are important to Germany and his government will maintain continuity in his country's long-held China policy.

 

Germany wants to further promote existing close and wide-ranged cooperation with China, as they share a fast growing and vigorous economy, he said.

 

The two sides also exchanged views on major international issues.

 

Steinmeier arrived here on Wednesday for a two-day official visit to China as guest of Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing.

 

(Xinhua News Agency February 24, 2006)