ISLAMABAD (PEN) : Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Saturday called on China and Germany to make contributions to maintaining peace and stability, and promoting development and prosperity, during his meeting with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference.
There is no fundamental conflict of interest between China and Germany, and common interests between the two countries continue to be consolidated and expanded, said Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee.
China and Germany, as two major countries and important engines of global economic growth, should maintain exchanges, enhance understanding, consolidate mutual trust, and promote bilateral relations to develop on the right track, he said.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (L), also a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, meets with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference in Munich, Germany, February 17, 2024. /Chinese Foreign Ministry
“This is not only in the interest of both countries, but will also bring benefits to China, Europe and the world,” Wang said.
Over the past year, exchanges between China and Germany at all levels have been fully restored, and cooperation mechanisms have been gradually activated, Wang noted, adding that a new round of government consultations has been successfully held, with cooperation in various fields yielding new results.
China is willing to work with Germany to eliminate interference, form more consensus, as well as understand and support each other on issues concerning their respective core interests, said Wang.
With the world facing conflicts and challenges, Germany and China should strengthen cooperation in areas of common interest and properly handle differences to meet each other halfway, Baerbock said.
She vowed to work with China to implement the results of the Germany-China inter-governmental consultation, and step up cooperation in areas such as climate change and international trade channels.
The two sides also exchanged views on issues including the Gaza conflict.