China values relations with Germany and will, together with Germany, promote the relationship from a "strategic, long-term perspective," said Vice Premier Li Keqiang on Monday.

Li told German Federal Minister of Finance Peer Steinbrueck that China and Germany had enjoyed fruitful cooperation since establishing diplomatic ties 36 years ago.

The vice premier said China's economy had undergone challenges and tests but still showed "stable and rapid development."

He said China would push forward the reform and opening-up drive, speed up the transformation of the mode of development and raise living standards.

Steinbrueck congratulated China on the successful Beijing Olympic Games, saying Germany attached importance to relations with China and would continue to enhance the relationship.

(Xinhua News Agency September 2, 2008)