Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi discussed regional security and bilateral cooperation with his German counterpart, Sigmar Gabriel, in Berlin during a two-day visit to the country.

Wang said at a joint press conference on Wednesday that they exchanged views on issues of mutual concern, and also exchanged views on China-German relations and China-EU relations.

When talking about the Korean Peninsula, Wang urged all parties involved to fully carry out the UN Security Council's resolutions. He noted that one aspect of the resolutions is to block the development of the DPRK's nuclear program, while the other is to solve the problem through peaceful means, and restart six-party talks as soon as possible.‍

Wang invited Gabriel to visit China, and mentioned his meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Tuesday.

Wang said that Germany supported the Belt and Road Initiative, and wished China success for the upcoming Belt and Road Forum, which will take place in Beijing next month.

Meanwhile, Gabriel expressed his surprise at how far the two countries’ relations had developed in terms of politics, the economy and culture in such a short time.

Gabriel said that as close partners, Chinese and German ties will develop further, although difficult matters exist.

In terms of trade, Gabriel said he would like to see China open up its market step by step, but didn’t expect it to happen right now.

When asked about China launching its first domestically-built aircraft carrier, Wang maintained China's adherence to peaceful development, adding that the country follows a national security policy that is defensive in nature. Wang also said that China has every reason to develop its national defense forces, including its navy, to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests. 

Wang Yi came to Berlin to attend the Chinese-German Strategic Dialogue on Diplomatic and Security Affairs, which comes as the two countries mark the 45th anniversary of ambassador-level diplomatic relations.