On May 27, 2013, Premier Li Keqiang of the State Council met with former German Chancellor Helmut Schmidt in Berlin.

Li Keqiang said that Mr. Schmidt is an old friend of the Chinese people, as well as a pioneer and promoter of China-Germany relations. The Chinese side highly appreciates that you, as a senior statesman with a global vision, has not only played a special role in the development of the China-Germany relations, but also made important contributions to promoting the European integration process. Against the background that the political and economic patterns are now undergoing profound and complex changes in the world, China is ready to enhance exchanges and cooperation with Germany and Europe to safeguard common interests, to boost common development and to bring benefits to the people of both countries.

Schmidt thanked Li Keqiang for his meeting. He expressed that China has made admirable enormous achievements in economic and social development. He feels glad from the bottom of his heart for the comprehensive development of Germany-China relations at present and will continue to pay attention to China and to play a positive role in strengthening the friendship between the two countries.