Li Qiang Meets with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier

On the morning of June 19, 2023 local time, Premier Li Qiang of the State Council met with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier at the president's official residence in Berlin.

Li Qiang first conveyed cordial greetings from President Xi Jinping to President Steinmeier. Li Qiang said that on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of China-Germany diplomatic relations last year, President Xi Jinping and President Steinmeier exchanged congratulatory messages and had a phone conversation, providing strategic guidance for the sound and steady development of bilateral relations. Li noted that China highly values its relations with Germany, and that the purpose of his visit to Germany and co-chairing the seventh China-Germany inter-governmental consultation with Chancellor Olaf Scholz is to implement the common understandings reached between the two heads of state, continuously build trust and dispel misgivings, explore new opportunities for bilateral cooperation, enrich the substance of China-Germany all-round strategic partnership, and contribute to the development of both countries and global economic recovery.

Noting that there is no fundamental conflict of interests between China and Germany, and the two countries enjoy a solid foundation for cooperation and strong dynamics for development, Li Qiang said China has every confidence in the prospects of China-Germany cooperation. China champions openness and cooperation and believes that the biggest risk is non-cooperation and the biggest hidden security threat is non-development. China is ready to work with Germany to uphold peace, development and cooperation, make constructive contributions to global stability and prosperity, and inject more certainty to a changing and turbulent world. China's development is a positive contribution to the world and an important opportunity for all countries.

Steinmeier asked Li Qiang to convey his sincere regards to President Xi Jinping, saying that Germany would like to be a trusted cooperative partner of China, and work jointly with China to safeguard trade liberalization and tackle climate change and other challenges. Germany opposes decoupling and any form of block confrontation, and stands ready to strengthen communication with China to make joint efforts to promote world peace and development.

The two sides also had an exchange of views on the Ukraine crisis and other international and regional issues of mutual interest and concern.

Wu Zhenglong, among others, was present at the meeting.