BEIJING, June 13 (Xinhua) -- China and Germany will reopen strategic dialogue and human rights dialogue in the second half of this year, said China's minister of foreign affairs Friday.

    Yang Jiechi said this when meeting the press together with German Vice Chancellor and Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs Frank-Walter Steinmeier after talks.

    Steinmeier is here on a visit to China from June 13 to 15 at the invitation of Yang.

    Yang briefed the press on his talks with Steinmeier, saying that the talks were fruitful. Both sides agreed that the present sound development momentum of China-Germany relations was hard-won and should be cherished, said Yang.

    Yang said to promote the China-Germany relations accords with fundamental interests of both nations. The two sides should make full use of the bilateral dialogue mechanisms and contact channels to exchange views and properly solve disputes on an equal footing.

    Yang expressed hope that the two nations would enhance cooperation in such issues as climate change and environmental protection. Yang also reiterated China's stance over the Dalai Lama issue.

    Steinmeier said Germany would continue sticking to the one-China policy. Germany was ready to work with China to push forward bilateral relations. He also wished a success for the Beijing Olympic Games.

    Steinmeier extended sympathy and condolences for China's severe loss caused by the earthquake in southwest China's Sichuan province, saying that he was deeply impressed by the Chinese people's solidarity in fighting against the disaster.

    Hailing the solidarity spirit of the Chinese people, he said this indicates the greatness of a nation and its people.

    During his stay in China, Steinmeier is scheduled to visit Dujiangyan City, a hard-hit area in Sichuan Province, where a German mobile hospital is located. He told Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi that Germany would offer more assistance to China.

    He said Germany would help China to build eight schools in earthquake-hit regions.

    Yang expressed gratitude for Germany's support, saying that this shows the profound friendship between the two nations and the two peoples.

    Yang expressed confidence that with the help of Germany and other nations, the quake-affected people would overcome the disaster and rebuild their homes.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (5th R, front) and German Vice Chancellor and Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs Frank-Walter Steinmeier (6th R, front) pose for photos with German entrepreneurs accompanying Steinmeier in Beijing, June 13, 2008.(Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

Chinese State Councilor Dai Bingguo (2nd L) meets with German Vice Chancellor and Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs Frank-Walter Steinmeier (2nd R) in Beijing, June 13, 2008.(Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>