Chinese and German leaders agreed in Beijing Monday to start their first round of strategic dialogue this year, as a way to improve political consultation.

"The intensification of China-Germany ties is an established policy of the Chinese government and serves the common interests of the two countries," Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao told visiting German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

During their talks, the two leaders agreed to enhance coordination and cooperation in international affairs. "China supports a bigger role for Germany in multi-lateral organizations, including the United Nations," Wen said.

Merkel said Germany hoped to maintain high-level contact with China and to have bilateral strategic talks to coordinate stances in key international and regional issues.

China has already conducted strategic dialogues with many world major powers, including the United States, Russia, India and Japan.

Merkel said Germany and China had become close partners and Germany was watching China's development closely.

She said her government valued ties with China and was devoted to maintaining and developing previous governments' policies towards China.

She also reiterated that her government would continue to abide by the one-China policy.

Source: Xinhua