Foreword by Dr. Helmut Kohl, former Chancellor, Federal Republic of Germany
“On my first visit to the People’s Republic of China just thirty years ago, I was reminded of the immense value of partnership between nations. In 1974 I met Deng Xiaoping the first time, who became the great reformer of China and a good friend of Germany.
Whilst European integration continues to be a focus of great activity and energy, we must not neglect important, long-established links with the wider world. Partnership remains the key to safeguarding common interests and realising shared goals.
I believe that the partnership between Europe and China, in particular, has great potential in the forging of a secure, prosperous and peaceful future. A platform such as The Hamburg Summit, where ‘China meets Europe’ is therefore of vital importance in driving the partnership forward and one for which I have great expectations of what can be achieved.
The initiators and organisers are to be highly praised for arranging the event and I wish hosts and participants a productive, enjoyable and successful time.”