BEIJING -?Chinese President Hu Jintao said Thursday that China firmly supports Europe's efforts to overcome the debt crisis and the important role that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and other institutions play in resolving European debt issues.

Hu made the remarks while meeting with visiting German Chancellor Angela Merkel in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

In regards to the European debt crisis, Hu said Europe's early financial recovery is conducive to the stability and recovery of the world economy and to China's economic growth. He said China is ready to maintain communication and coordination with the international community to jointly prevent risks, safeguard the stability of the global financial system and promote sustainable recovery and growth in the world economy.

Merkel said many uncertain factors currently exist in the world economy, as the eurozone is faced with difficulties. The calm, appropriate response of China and the confidence and support it places on the euro and the European economy are especially precious to Europe.

She also said the eurozone nations are confident and determined to properly address the debt problem and further advance European integration.

Germany hopes to increase trade, investment and economic cooperation between Europe and China, said Merkel, who also expressed opposition to trade and investment protectionism.

Merkel is in Beijing to attend the second round of China-Germany government consultation.

Hu congratulated the success of the China-Germany government consultation, saying China is ready to work with Germany to practically implement the results achieved in both high-level meetings and the second round of government consultation.

Noting that both China and Germany are countries of major influence in the world, Hu said the two countries share broad common interests on bilateral, regional and multilateral affairs, adding that the two countries jointly shoulder major responsibilities and face the same challenges.

Hu said China places great importance on its relations with Germany and is ready to deepen strategic mutual trust, deepen practical cooperation and lift the China-Germany strategic partnership to higher levels.

Merkel said bilateral exchanges and cooperation are very close at the governmental, economic and people-to-people levels.

She added that the second round of government consultation between the two countries has been fruitful, as the two sides signed a number of agreements, fully proving that Germany-China relations are based on a solid foundation and a truly strategic partnership.