BERLIN, Jan. 31 (Xinhua) -- Germany's political and business leaders gathered at receptions across the country this week to welcome the Year of the Snake, extend Chinese New Year greetings, and reaffirm their commitment to deepening ties with China.
At a reception in Berlin on Wednesday, Hans-Peter Friedrich, former vice president of the German Bundestag and chairman of the Germany-China Parliamentary Group, highlighted the enduring strength of German-Sino cooperation. "For decades, our partnership has thrived on trust and mutual benefit. As we navigate new global challenges, we must remain open to innovative approaches and fresh avenues of collaboration," he said.
Michael Schumann, chairman of the Federal Association for Economic Development and Foreign Trade, described China's resilience and innovation as key drivers of its economic success. "Through my frequent engagements with China, I have witnessed the remarkable creativity and dedication of its people. This dynamism keeps China's economy vibrant and forward-moving," he noted. Schumann also emphasized China's growing influence in global affairs, stressing that a strengthened Sino-German partnership would unlock broader economic opportunities.
On Tuesday, Chinese New Year's Eve, the Chinese Consulate in Dusseldorf hosted a grand reception attended by prominent political and business figures, particularly from North Rhine-Westphalia. Many of the participants have played active roles in fostering Sino-German relations.
Rainer Schmeltzer, first vice president of the North Rhine-Westphalia State Parliament, highlighted the region's close ties with China. "Our state has long been a leader in economic and cultural exchanges with China. Beyond commerce, our cooperation in education and research has been instrumental in strengthening mutual understanding and trust," he said.
Expressing confidence in further expanding this relationship, Schmeltzer added, "The strong foundation we have built gives us every reason to be optimistic. I look forward to even greater collaboration in trade, innovation, and cultural exchange."
Duisburg Mayor Soeren Link, in a video message, underscored the significance of Chinese New Year celebrations. "The Year of the Snake embodies wisdom, foresight, and resilience -- qualities that should also guide Sino-German relations as we navigate an evolving global landscape," he said.
Duisburg's ties with China date back to 1982, when it established a sister-city relationship with Wuhan. Over the decades, this connection has strengthened, making Duisburg a key hub for China-Europe cooperation. "In the coming year, we aim to expand our partnership even further, exploring new areas of collaboration and reinforcing the bonds that unite us," Link stated.
Clemens Schuette, a board member of the German-Chinese Business Association, reflected on Germany's growing benefits from China's rising innovation and global competitiveness. "The Year of the Snake symbolizes wisdom and adaptability, qualities essential for addressing global challenges," he said. "Through continued engagement, we can unlock even greater opportunities for cooperation between our two countries."
Duisburg's Commissioner for China Affairs Markus Teuber highlighted the transformative impact of the China-Europe freight train services, which have significantly boosted trade connectivity. He also stressed the strategic importance of the Belt and Road Initiative in strengthening economic and cultural ties between China, Germany, and the broader European region. "As the Chinese New Year ushers in a fresh start, we look forward to deepening our partnership, fostering innovation, and seizing new opportunities together," he said. ■
