On behalf of the Chinese government and in his own name, Premier Li Keqiang extended a message of condolence on Saturday to German Chancellor Angela Merkel over the death of former German chancellor Helmut Kohl.

Kohl, who served as chancellor of Germany from 1982 to 1998, passed away on Friday at the age of 87.

As an outstanding German leader and an old friend of the Chinese people, Kohl had actively promoted bilateral relations between China and Germany, Premier Li said in the message. His contribution in promoting China-Germany exchanges and cooperation will be remembered, Li said.

Germany has been China's strategic partner in Europe and bilateral relations and cooperation has continuously made new progress, the premier said.

He added that China-Germany ties and friendship will take another leap with joint efforts of both countries.