BEIJING, June 17 -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Saturday sent a message of condolences to German Chancellor Angela Merkel on behalf of the Chinese government and in his own name over the death of former German Chancellor Helmut Kohl.
In the message, Li said Kohl was an outstanding German leader, an old friend of the Chinese people and also the man who had made active efforts to promote the China-Germany relations.
"He has made significant contributions to the exchanges and cooperation between China and Germany, which we will never forget," Li said.
Li noted that Germany is China's all-round strategic partner in Europe and that new progress has constantly been achieved in the relations and cooperation between the two countries.
He believed with the joint efforts of both sides, the China-Germany ties and friendship will witness greater development.