Beijing, August 21st—Song Tao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee (IDCPC), met here today with a delegation of the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD) headed by Thorsten Schäfer-Gümbel, Acting Chairman of the SPD.

Song welcomed Gümbel's 14th visit to China, saying that China-Germany relations have maintained a sound momentum of development in general, with frequent high-level exchanges and unprecedented breadth and depth of cooperation. The CPC attaches great importance to the traditional friendly relations with the SPD. The CPC and the SPD are century-old parties, and we have some ideological differences as well as a lot in common. In the face of the unprecedented changes unseen in a century in the world today, the two Parties should step up exchanges and cooperation, strive to keep to the right direction of human development, maintain a peaceful and stable international order, and promote common development and prosperity of all countries. Song also introduced the CPC's ongoing education campaign on the theme of "remaining true to our original aspiration and keeping our mission firmly in mind".

Gümbel said that the SPD cherishes the friendly relationship with the CPC which was forged by the elder generations of leaders and supports Germany and China to strengthen all-round cooperation. What is happening in the world today is puzzling, and the SPD has also undergone many changes at home. Facing such situation, the SPD attaches more importance to the role of China and the CPC. The SPD is willing to conduct more extensive and in-depth exchanges and mutual learning with the CPC on state governance and administration, including the building of the party itself.

Li Jun, Vice-minister of the IDCPC, was present.

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