国内英语新闻:Chinese premier arrives in Germany for official visit

BERLIN, Jan. 28 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao arrived in the German capital Berlin late Wednesday for an official visit to the country.

    The premier is scheduled to meet with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Vice Chancellor Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Thursday to discuss bilateral relations and further cooperation between the two nations amid the global financial downturn.

    Upon his arrival, Wen said in a statement that currently Sino-German relations are faced with a sound opportunity of development.

    The two nations have maintained frequent high-level contacts, and economic and trade cooperation has been expanding steadily, Wen said.

    Both sides also witnessed fruitful dialogues on such fields as science and technology, education, culture, and youth exchanges, he noted.

    Bilateral consultation and coordination on international affairs have also been strengthened, he added.

    The premier expected his meeting with Merkel would further enhance mutual trust and broaden consensus between the two nations.

    Wen also expressed the belief that his visit will further push forward the Sino-German partnership, which bears a global responsibility.

    Meanwhile, the premier, on behalf of the Chinese people, extended Chinese lunar new year greetings and good wishes to the German people.

    During his two-day visit to Germany, Wen will also attend a forum on Sino-German economic and technical cooperation and deliver a speech.

    Germany is the second leg of Wen's European tour after Switzerland, where he attended the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF). The trip will also take him to the European Union headquarters, Spain and Britain.