President Hu Jintao and visiting German President Horst Kohler yesterday pledged to increase bilateral collaboration in all areas to take the Sino-German partnership to a new high.

"We should expand and strengthen cooperation, especially in finance, insurance, infrastructure, energy, the environment and high-tech industries," Hu said during his meeting with Kohler in the Great Hall of the People.

He also called for more consultation on such issues as climate change, energy security, environmental protection and prevention of diseases, as well as major international issues.

Beijing will help Germany stage a series of cultural activities in China from this year to 2010 and encourage exchanges of youth between the two countries, he said.

Kohler said he hoped the cultural activities over the next three years "will help the Chinese understand Germany better to strengthen understanding and friendship".

He said his country will continue to work with China to maintain global peace and development.

After the meeting, Hu and Kohler witnessed the signing of three agreements, including a joint program of the two countries' national museums and a Sino-German hospital in Shanghai.

The joint-ventured hospital will begin operation with some 250 beds upon completion in 2009.

Kohler arrived in China on Wednesday. He is also scheduled to meet Premier Wen Jiabao before flying to Shanghai this afternoon where he will deliver a speech at Tongji University, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary.

(China Daily May 25, 2007)