This year we celebrate 40 years of diplomatic relations between Germany and China. Since the establishment of relations in 1972, we have continuously and with great vigor developed our cooperation. Both countries have become the most important economic partners for each other in Asia and in Europe, respectively.

We have established specific dialogs on a multitude of issues to further enhance our cooperation. Cultural exchange, a broad cooperation in research and science, as well as people-to-people contacts are other key elements of our partnership, unthinkable 40 or even 30 years ago.

In the world of the 21st century our peoples are facing the same global challenges. We need common answers. With energy saving and efficiency, alternative and renewable energies and innovative concepts of sustainable urban development, we have identified areas of our cooperation, where Germany can offer specific expertise, technological know-how and innovative solutions.

China will be the partner country at this year's Hannover Messe, the largest international industrial fair. I am looking forward to intensifying our cooperation even further. In particular I invite more Chinese investment in Europe and in Germany. It is most welcome.

Last year, the first ever Sino-German intergovernmental consultations were held in Berlin, showing how high the intensity of our bilateral cooperation already is. Nevertheless, there is always more that we can do: increasing mutual trade and investment as well as stepping up our efforts on scientific and academic exchange.

Partnership also means speaking openly about differing viewpoints. In the German-Chinese dialog on the rule of law, for example, we discuss respect for inalienable human rights. I hope that we can further intensify this important aspect of our relationship in the future.

I very much look forward to visiting China at the beginning of this anniversary year to deepen our ties, to further develop our cooperation and to discuss the current challenges in Europe, Asia and the world.

Message from German Chancellor Angela Merkel