On May 18, 2010, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao met with German President Horst Koehler in Ziguangge, Zhongnanhai.

Wen said China and Germany have set store by common interests, enhanced communication and cooperation and supported each other in coping with the global financial crisis. Both countries have played their positive role as major manufacturers and trading nations and demonstrate the spirit of staying in the same boat to overcome difficulties. The China-Germany partnership with global responsibility has been consolidated and deepened.

Wen said the world economy is recovering slowly, but the foundation of the recovery is still fragile and the recovery process is very uneven. The sovereign debt crisis in Europe has slowed down the economic recovery, he said, adding that the impact of the crisis is more severe and complicated than people expected. He urged the international community, in particular the major economies, to have a clear understanding of the situation, strengthen confidence, and seek an effective mechanism for global economic governance with joint efforts, so as to actively promote the world economic recovery. Wen said China and Germany have consensus on many major issues, share a promising future for cooperation in energy, culture, economy and trade, as well as science and technology. China hopes to work with Germany to continuously enhance mutual trust, enrich strategic cooperation and make more contributions to world harmony and sustainable development, Wen added.

Koehler agreed with Wen's views on China-Germany cooperation and the international financial situation, praising what China did to combat the financial crisis. China has maintained stable and relatively rapid economic growth, carried out reforms of its currency exchange rate in conformity with its national conditions, and actively participated in international cooperation, Koehler said, expressing Germany's appreciation for these efforts. Both Germany and China attach importance to real economy, remain committed to handling its own affairs well first and are ready to enhance international cooperation based on mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit. Koehler said Germany would like to boost bilateral cooperation with China and strengthen coordination with China on major global issues like the reform of the global governance system in an effort to further lift the level of Germany-China partnership with global responsibilities and promote steady recovery and sustainable development of world economy.

Both sides also met with representatives of German entrepreneurs.