Chinese President Xi Jinping and German President Joachim Gauck have agreed to increase the ties between their respective countries and promote cooperation in several key areas of economic development.
The two leaders made the proclamation during Gauck's arrival on Monday for a five-day state visit. Xi stressed that China and Germany need to work together to strengthen their presence in the international market. He added that the two countries should also give more effort in supporting the Belt and Road initiative, China Daily reported.
The Belt and Road initiative is an economic development framework proposed by China to promote cooperation among countries surrounding the ancient Silk Road.
Xi added that China and Europe should also seek the support of a third party in promoting the initiative.
Xi reiterated that China seeks cooperation with more partners in the international community to help increase production capacity. The Chinese leader stressed that such an effort will also help European investment plans, adding that the level of cooperation his country has with Eastern Europe can also be extended to the entire continent.
For his part, Gauck said that Germany is still very much committed to forming cultural ties with China. He also said that it is important for both countries to keep an open mind to overcome the cultural barriers between them, CCTV America reported.
The German president also remembered the various joint achievements made by the two countries in the economic and political arena.
The visit marks Gauck's first time in China since coming to office in 2011.
After the meeting, both leaders were present at the opening of the Year of Germany-China Youth Exchange 2016. The event is aimed at promoting student exchange between the two countries for the whole year.