国内英语新闻:Chinese premier extends condolences over death of Helmut Schmidt

BEIJING, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Wednesday sent a message of condolences to his German counterpart, Angela Merkel, over the death of Helmut Schmidt, a former chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany.

In the message, Li, on behalf of the Chinese government and people and in his own name, mourned the death of Schmidt and extended sympathies to Schmidt's family.

Hailing Schmidt as an outstanding statesman and leader, Li said he was also a staunch supporter for and an active facilitator of China-Germany relations. China will never forget Schmidt's contributions to promoting friendship and cooperation between China and Germany, Li said.

Noting that Germany is an important cooperative partner of China in Europe, Li expressed the hope that friendly cooperation between China and Germany will achieve even greater development.