On the morning of December 30, 2002, Vice President Hu Jintao met with German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder at the Great Hall of the People.

Hu said that in the past 30 years since the forging of diplomatic ties between the two countries, and especially during recent years, bilateral relations have progressed vigorously, with a frequent exchange of high-level contacts and visits and increasingly deep mutual understanding and trust. He said that given the surge in bilateral trade volume, China and Germany are important economic and trade partners to each other. He noted that bilateral cooperation in new and high technology has been very effective, and the exchanges and cooperation in educational, cultural and legal spheres have also registered new progress.

Hu highly appreciated the German government's adherence to the One China policy, stressing that China attaches importance to the significant role and influence Germany has played and exerted in promoting European integration and in safeguarding world peace and stability.

Hu said that the advancement of China's relations with Germany and with Europe is in the fundamental interests of both parties and is conducive to world peace, stability and development. He expressed his wish that the two sides will continue their efforts to strengthen and develop Sino-Germany comprehensive partnership of cooperation and Sino-European friendly and cooperative relations.

Hu also briefed Schroeder on the 16th National Congress of the Communist Party of China during the meeting. The two sides also exchanged views on other issues of common concern.

Schroeder said that Germany values its long-term friendship and cooperation with China, and that furtherance of bilateral ties conforms to the interests of both sides.

Schroeder said the two nations shared similar views on many international issues, and that both attach importance to the legitimate role of the United Nations (UN) in international affairs. Given Germany's high regard for China's important status in the international community, he said his country hopes to intensify consultations and cooperation with China within the UN framework.

Schroeder also expressed his belief that under the guidance of the new leadership, China will maintain the continuity of its policy towards Germany, and their cooperative ties in all fields will record still greater progress.