Beijing, July 3rd—Song Tao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee (IDCPC), met here today with a delegation led by Lars Klingbeil, General Secretary of the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD).

Song welcomed Klingbeil to visit China twice in half a year. Song said that China-Germany all-round strategic partnership has made great progress in recent years, with frequent exchanges of visits between leaders of the two countries, close exchanges at all levels of the two Parties and constant deepening of exchange mechanisms including the dialogue on foreign affairs and security policy. The CPC attaches great importance to its traditional friendly relations with the SPD and is ready to deepen political mutual trust with the German side in the new era on the basis of seeking common ground while reserving differences, mutual respect and mutual learning, so as to lead China-Germany cooperation to greater progress. As two major forces in the world, China and the EU stand for upholding the rules-based multilateral trading system. It is hoped that the political parties of China and Germany will make full use of their advantages in inter-party exchanges and contribute to promoting China-EU cooperation, upholding multilateralism and international rules, and promoting world stability and development.

Klingbeil said Germany attaches great importance to developing relations with China and the SPD is committed to strengthening exchanges with the CPC at all levels and enhancing exchanges and mutual learning in science and technology, people-to-people and cultural engagement, youth and other fields. The SPD welcomes the CPC to send a delegation to observe the SPD’s party conference at the end of this year to enhance mutual understanding and consensus. The current changes in the international situation are worrying. The SPD is ready to exchange views with the CPC on international issues of common concern, defend multilateralism, promote the sound development of digital economy and artificial intelligence, and bring more benefits to the people of all countries.

Qian Hongshan, Vice-minister of the IDCPC, attended the meeting.

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