Local exchanges, cooperation essential to China-Germany relations: senior CPC official

(ECNS) -- Local exchanges and cooperation are an essential part of China-Germany relations, and play a fundamental role in promoting bilateral relations, a senior Chinese official said on Sunday.

Liu Jianchao, head of the International Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during his meeting with Alexander Schweitzer, minister-president of Rhineland-Palatinate, in Mainz, Germany, on Sunday.

According to Liu, the Rhineland-Palatinate state has established friendly relations with seven China provinces and cities, with close cooperation in bilateral trade and cultural exchanges.

China is deepening comprehensive reform, enlarging high-level opening up, and promoting high-quality economic development, said Liu. He hopes the state will strengthen friendly exchanges with China and expand cooperation in economy and trade, tourism, and education.

Schweitzer welcomed the CPC delegation led by Liu. He said that the Rhineland-Palatinate state regards China as an important partner and is willing to strengthen cooperation with provinces like Fujian in economy and trade, agricultural products, and people-to-people exchanges.