German president Horst Koehler to visit China

German president Horst Koehler will pay a four-day official visit to China from May 23rd to May 26th, said German Ambassador to China, Dr. Volker Stanzel, in a briefing on May 21st. President Koehler he will meet and hold talks with Chinese President Hu Jintao, Premier Wen Jiabao and CPPCC Chairman Jia Qinglin.

President Koehler's visit to China will cover various aspects of common concern, including politics, economy, cultural cooperation as well as environmental protection.

Germany and China have had good relations over the past decades. It is said that economic ties are the fundamental interests of the two countries. The European Union (EU) is China's largest trading partner, and German-Chinese trade takes up one third of total EU-China trade.

"Germany and China will forge a long-term cooperative relationship in terms of culture, and will launch high-quality cultural events. German leaders agreed to hold a three-year event featuring Germany's politics, economy and culture in China. China is also preparing for the early launch of the 'Year of China' in Germany," said the ambassador.

President Koehler's visit is both highly symbolic and significant. It is the first time President Koehler will visit China since Chinese President Hu Jintao visited Germany in November 2005.

Apart from meeting with top Chinese leaders on global and regional issues, President Koehler will also attend the 100th anniversary of the founding of Tongji University on May 26th, where he will be a keynote speaker and have exchanges with students majoring in German language.

By People's Daily Online