China, Germany issue joint statement, vow to deepen co-op(2)

China and Germany pledged to further strengthen extensive economic cooperation on the basis of equality and mutual benefit, and each side would provide national treatment for the other's companies based on its soil.

Both sides voiced opposition to trade protectionism, promising to settle the disputes on solar power and mobile telecommunication equipment through dialogue.

They called for strictly abiding by the rules set by the World Trade Organization and supporting the multilateral trade system of fairness and justice. Meanwhile, they pledged to push for an early conclusion of the Doha round of trade talks.

According to the statement, the two sides lauded the various mechanisms sponsored by the governments and social organizations from both countries, which facilitate an exchange of thousands of students every year between the two countries. Both vowed to continue their support for these measures to further promote youth and cultural exchanges.

The two premiers together launched the "Year of Languages" program between China and Germany, an initiative to encourage the two peoples to study each other's language.

Both sides believe that China and the EU are important strategic forces on the world arena and cooperative partners in promoting world peace, prosperity and stability. The two countries will continue to intensify constructive cooperation to promote the development of China-EU relations and jointly cope with such global challenges as energy and natural resource security, climate change, environmental protection and food security.

China appreciates Germany's role in solving the euro-zone debt crisis, as well as the large-scale stabilizing measures taken by EU members, while Germany appreciates China's constructive attitude and contribution to solving the crisis, said the joint statement.

Both sides agreed that it is necessary for them to maintain and deepen consultation and cooperation on major international and regional issues.

They also exchanged views on the international situation, including the Iranian nuclear issue and the situation in Syria, and pledged to continue to carry out constructive pragmatic cooperation in the multilateral spheres, such as the United Nations.

Merkel has accepted Li's invitation to visit China as early as possible, said the statement.

Li arrived here Saturday for an official visit to Germany, the last leg of his first overseas trip as China's premier, which has already taken him to India, Pakistan and Switzerland.