Chinese President Xi Jinping's upcoming visits to Russia and Germany from July 3 to July 8 are highly anticipated by all circles in the two countries, People's Daily reports.
Xi will attend the 12th Group of 20 (G20) summit from July 7 to 8 in Hamburg, Germany.
This year marks the 16th anniversary of the signing of the China-Russia TreatyofGood-Neighborlinessand Friendly Cooperation. Dmitry Mezentsev, chairman of Russia-China Friendship Association, said the bilateral relations have not only been elevated to the level of comprehensive strategic partnership, but have a significant influence on regional and world peace, security and stability.
Sergey Sanakoev, vice-chairman of the same organization, said, China and Russia are cooperating closely via the platforms of the BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and the G20. The two countries are seeking a fairer, more open and efficient new international order and bilateral cooperation has been advancing. He believes that Xi's visit to Russia will add new vitality to bilateral ties and economic globalization.
Mechthild Leutner, German director of the Confucius Institute at Free University of Berlin, said young Germans are greatly interested in ancient Chinese culture, and the two countries can have more extensive dialogue and cooperation in culture and education.
Michael Schaefer, former German ambassador to China, said he was looking forward to more concrete cooperation between China and Europe in general, and between China and Germany in particular. "The Belt and Road Initiative means more than trade and infrastructure connectivity," said Schaefer, stressing that the most attractive aspect of the initiative lies in its enhancing cultural and social connections.
Jürgen Friedrich, general manager of Germany Trade and Investment, hopes that Xi's visit to Germany will deepen economic ties between the two countries. Friedrich said Germany and China have much in common. For example, both countries support free trade and globalization. China's proposals and solutions make cooperation possible between different countries to solve global challenges.
Dieter Kempf, president of the Federation of German Industries (BDI), said, "German enterprises look forward to strengthening cooperation with China, and welcome Chinese investment."
Kempf said the Belt and Road Initiative will inject new vitality into global development and international cooperation. He noted, "Germany greatly supports the Belt and Road Initiative, because German enterprises will have opportunities to take part in relevant projects and benefit from them."
The organization has set up an office in Beijing to seek opportunities for German firms to participate in projects under the initiative.