Xi: Beijing, Berlin set a great example

President, in signed article, says the partnership benefits the whole world

Pragmatic cooperation between China and Germany is a guiding factor in the China-Europe relationship and a great example of cooperation by the most important economies in the world, President Xi Jinping said in a signed article published on Tuesday.

Xi wrapped up his Russia trip and arrived in Berlin on Tuesday to kick off a state visit, with China having become Germany's largest trading partner last year.

German cities such as Duisburg and Hamburg have become important hubs for freight train traffic between China and Europe, Xi wrote in an article published by German newspaper Die Welt.

Xi said both China and Germany should shape investment environments that are open to each other and offer fair competition.

The second - and fourth-largest economies in the world should deepen their cooperation in areas including innovation, internet, finance, energy, environmental protection and green development, he added.

The two countries should reinforce cooperation within the framework of building the Belt and Road and jointly contribute to security, stability and the prosperity of countries along the routes, Xi said.

When reviewing the relationship, Xi noted that the two countries have set up more than 70 mechanisms for dialogue and cooperation. This year marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations.

Their cooperation is expanding in areas such as aerospace, ocean, arctic areas and cyberspace, he noted.

As part of a booming culture exchange, more than 2 million trips were made between the two countries last year.

During his state visit, Xi and German Chancellor Angela Merkel will attend the inauguration of a panda pavilion at Berlin's zoo. Xi said he hopes the pair of pandas that have arrived in Berlin will become messengers of friendship.

It is hoped the two countries will reinforce cooperation in areas such as education, travel, health and soccer as well, he said

After the state visit, Xi will attend the G20 Summit, an annual gathering of leaders from the most influential economies, in Hamburg on Friday and Saturday.

China is ready to use the summit as a chance to work with all parties to send clear signals about international economic cooperation and global economic governance, and to contribute to promoting world economic growth and perfecting global economic governance, Xi said.

It is hoped the G20 continues to uphold openness and development, support multilateral trade based on the World Trade Organization, and promote the role of trade and investment as driving forces of world economic growth, he said.

To reinforce the improving momentum, all countries should tap into new economic driving forces through innovation, he said.

zhangyunbi@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 07/05/2017 page3)