German president to visit China

BEIJING, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- At the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier will pay a state visit to China from Oct. 27 to 31, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson announced on Friday.

Noting that Steinmeier will visit China again after nearly eight years, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told a regular press briefing that during the visit, Xi will hold talks with him, and Premier Li Qiang and Chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee Zhao Leji will meet with him to exchange views on bilateral relations and issues of mutual interest.

Besides Beijing, Steinmeier will also visit Anhui Province, Mao added.

Mao said the sound and steady growth of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Germany, the world's second and third largest economies, not only serves the interests of both countries, but is also what Europe and the world hope to see.

"The past 54 years since diplomatic ties were established have shown that mutual respect and mutual trust are the bedrock for a stable relationship and mutual benefit the key to success in bilateral cooperation," the spokesperson said.

Highlighting Steinmeier's contribution to the development of China-Germany relations, Mao said China hopes to work with the German side to take this visit as an opportunity to cement mutual trust, deepen cooperation and seek joint innovation, so as to make greater progress in bilateral ties, contribute to steady and sustained growth of China-Europe relations, and bring fresh energy to the world.