Xi hails Germany's re-election of Merkel

Chinese President Xi Jinping holds talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin, July 5, 2017, file photo. (Photo/Xinhua)

President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message on Wednesday to Angela Merkel on her re-election as German chancellor, vowing joint efforts toward greater progress in bilateral ties.

Merkel was re-elected chancellor by parliament on Wednesday for her fourth term leading Europe's largest economy.

The two nations achieved lasting development in relations through joint efforts since the China-Germany All-round Strategic Partnership was established in 2014, Xi said.

Common interests and mutually beneficial cooperation have deepened, and the two have had close cooperation such as on global governance, economic globalization and multilateralism, Xi said.

Xi said he attaches great importance to development of China-Germany ties and is willing to work with Merkel to cement and improve China-Germany strategic mutual trust, and bring the bilateral ties to a higher ground.

Premier Li Keqiang said in a message to Merkel that keeping up the good momentum serves the interests of both.