Berlin, September 23rd—The first strategic dialogue between the CPC and the German Social Democratic Party (SPD) was held here today under the theme of social progress and the responsibilities of political parties. Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee (IDCPC) and Lars Klingbeil, Co-Chair of the SPD, attended and addressed the function. Over 40 people were present, including representatives from China's Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, Office of the Central Commission for Financial and Economic Affairs, Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Commerce, and Anke Rehlinger, Deputy Chairwoman of the SPD and Minister President of Saarland, Rolf Mutzenich, Chairman of the SPD Parliamentary Group, and Bärbel Kofler, Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development. 

Both sides believed that since the establishment of relations 40 years ago, the CPC and the SPD have maintained close exchanges, contributing to the healthy and stable development of relations between the two countries. The two Parties should strengthen political dialogue and enhance mutual understanding and trust. The two sides had candid, open, in-depth and constructive exchanges and interactions on topics such as economic, social, and ecological transformation, diplomacy and security, and civilization exchanges and human rights development. The two sides were satisfied with the dialogue and agreed that the next dialogue will be held in China. 

Prior to the dialogue, Liu and Rehlinger signed a memorandum of understanding on establishing a strategic dialogue mechanism.