On February 23, 2006, Chinese President Hu Jintao met with German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier in the Great Hall of the People. Hu made positive comments on bilateral relations and appreciated the new German government for resolutely pursuing the one-China policy, attaching great importance to developing relations with China and maintaining the continuity of its policy towards China. Hu emphasized that bilateral relations enjoy a solid political basis and broad development prospect. China would like to make joint efforts with Germany to push bilateral relations for more comprehensive, in-depth development within the framework of China-EU all-round strategic partnership. Steinmeier said that Germany attaches great importance to developing friendly relations with China and the new German government commits to maintaining the continuity of its policy towards China and would like to steadily push for bilateral broad, close cooperation. China's rapid economic growth is full of vitality and Germany is delighted to become China's important economic and trading partner.

Steinmeier highly appreciated China for playing an important role in international affairs.

Both sides also talked about some major international issues.

Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing attended the meeting.