Fuente : German Federal Gouvernment
http://www.bundesregierung.de/

Germany and China want to double their current volume of trade by 2010

/noticias.info/ At a meeting in Berlin Chancellor Gerhard Schröder and Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao agreed to hold regular German-Chinese consultations aimed at intensifying economic cooperation between the two countries. The dialogue that exists between Germany and China on the rule of law is also to be expanded.

Premier Wen Jiabao is visiting Germany from May 2 to 5 in response to an invitation extended by Chancellor Schröder. Speaking at a press conference on May 3, after a meeting at the Chancellery, Schröder and Wen confirmed the excellent state of relations between the two countries.

Schröder noted that Germany and China have set themselves the goal of doubling the volume of trade between them by the year 2010. German-Chinese trade currently amounts to 50 billion euros annually. Consultations are to be held once a year to promote this objective. A dialogue is to be established between small and medium-sized enterprises in the two countries with the involvement of the "Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau".

Schröder indicated that an application submitted by Siemens to export its Hanau-based MOX fuel-rod plant to China has not been withdrawn. The matter is under review in the responsible ministries and when this process has been completed a decision will be made on the basis of the specifics of the case and the requirements of law. Premier Wen gave assurances that the nuclear facility would be used solely for peaceful purposes but added that China will respect whatever decision the German government takes in this matter.


Strengthening of international cooperation

In a joint declaration the two countries noted extensive agreement in their assessment of key international issues. They agreed to build a partnership for global responsibility in the framework of the strategic partnership between China and the European Union. Both sides will endeavor to continue to expand cooperation with each other, to strengthen multilateralism, and to closely coordinate their efforts to work towards the development of a cooperative world order.

The German government continues to adhere to its One China policy and supports the idea of a peaceful reunification of China. Germany is opposed to independence for Taiwan and any measures that would lead to a heightening of tensions in the Taiwan Straights.

Chancellor Schröder and Premier Wen witnessed the signing of a number of agreements between German companies and their Chinese partners.

 Relations between the People's Republic of China and Germany

Continuation of friendly dialogue on the rule of law and human rights

The joint declaration underscores the importance of dialogue on the rule of law and human rights for bilateral relations. This dialogue, which is being continued this month by holding a fifth symposium on the rule of law in Beijing as well as talks in Berlin on the human rights situation, constitutes a good basis for discussing in a friendly and open atmosphere issues on which differing views exist. Germany and China intend to expand their cooperation in the human rights dialogue as well as at all other levels.


Joint responsibility and close coordination on global issues

Chancellor Schröder noted that Premier Wen expressly supports Germany's bid for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council and that he is very grateful for this.

The joint declaration notes that Germany and China emphasize the key importance of the United Nations as a multilateral body for the prevention and resolution of global and regional challenges, crises, and conflicts. China and Germany share the conviction that peace and security can be guaranteed only on the basis of effective multilateralism. As such, both sides advocate strengthening the role of the United Nation, assure their support for a reform of the UN and as such for the work being done by the Secretary-General's Panel of Eminent Persons on Civil Society and UN Relationships. The two sides are willing to work together actively to help achieve this purpose. In their view this applies in particular to the long overdue reform of the Security Council, including a balanced expansion of its membership. China would welcome a larger role for Germany in the United Nations context.


Cooperation in the fight against international terrorism

The fight against terrorism is one of the greatest challenges facing the international community today. Germany and China condemn all forms of terrorism. They call upon the international community to continue to improve and strengthen cooperation in fighting terrorism. The United Nations has a key role to play here, too.

Germany and China agree that the causes of terrorism are numerous and complex in nature and that a comprehensive approach is needed in order to fight it effectively. There is a need, in particular, to improve conditions for economic, social, and cultural development so as to eliminate the breeding grounds for terrorism. Germany and China will endeavor to ensure that any measures they take in the fight against terrorism will be in keeping with their obligations under international law, including human rights law.

04/05/2004 notas_de_prensa_archivo