国内英语新闻:Merkel's July visit "new starting point" for China-Germany economic cooperation: Wen

BEIJING, May 18 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said Tuesday he expects the upcoming visit to China by German Chancellor Angela Merkel to be a new starting point in enhanced China-Germany economic cooperation.

Wen made the remarks while meeting with German entrepreneurs and German President Horst Koehler in Beijing.

Merkel will visit China in July, Wen said, adding that he hoped the two countries will cooperate in a tangible way.

Wen met separately with Koehler earlier Tuesday afternoon.

As major manufacturers and trading nations, China and Germany have played active roles in combating the financial crisis, Wen said.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (R Front) meets with German President Horst Koehler (L Front) in Beijing, capital of China, May 18, 2010.

Wen said the world economy is recovering sluggishly.

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.

Koehler agreed with Wen's views on the international financial situation, praising what China did to combat the financial crisis.