DRESDEN, Germany, Oct. 10 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping arrived in the eastern German city of Dresden Saturday morning to continue his Europe tour.

Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping (L, front) is welcomed by Saxony's state Prime Minister Stanislav Tillich (R, front) upon his arrival in the eastern German city of Dresden, Oct. 10, 2009. (Xinhua/Lan Hongguang) Photo Gallery>>>

    In a written statement released upon his arrival at the airport, Xi said China and Germany have enjoyed long-term friendship, and the relations have made new progress in recent years with fruitful cooperation in the fields of politics, trade and education as well as coordination on international and regional issues.

Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping (L) meets with Saxony's state Prime Minister Stanislav Tillich in the eastern German city of Dresden, Oct. 10, 2009. (Xinhua/Luo Huanhuan) Photo Gallery>>>

    He said Sino-Germany relations are facing new opportunity for further development.

    "I am looking forward to exchanging views with German leaders on bilateral ties and other issues of common concern, and trying to have a better understanding of Germany and pushing forward the relationship," he said.

    Xi will arrive in Berlin later in the day. In the German capital, he will hold talks with Chancellor Angela Merkel and meet with President Horst Koehler.

    He will also attend the opening ceremony of the Frankfurt Book Fair.

    Germany is the second leg of Xi's tour. He will also visit Bulgaria, Hungary and Romania.