Chinese vice premier meets Hamburg mayor

Vice Premier Zhang Dejiang on Monday met with Hamburg Mayor Olaf Scholz in Beijing. Zhang said he appreciates Scholz's efforts in strengthening China-Germany cooperation, especially in deepening exchanges and cooperation between Hamburg and relevant Chinese provinces and cities. The Chinese government attaches great importance to developing ties with Germany, he said, adding that the two nations should beef up pragmatic cooperation and enhance coordination on major issues in order to push forward the bilateral strategic partnership. Scholz said Hamburg is willing to further strengthen cooperation with China in the areas of environmental protection, new energy and new-type materials in a bid to promote mutual investment. Scholz is visiting China at the invitation of the Chinese People's Institute of Foreign Affairs.