Politics
22:26, 05-Jul-2017
Xi, Merkel unveil China's gift pandas' new home in Berlin
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Chinese President Xi Jinping and German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Wednesday attended the opening ceremony of Berlin Zoo's refurbished Panda Garden, the future home to two giant pandas China recently gifted to the country.
The two giant pandas Meng Meng and Jiao Qing also made their debut to German people on the same day.
VCG Photo
VCG Photo
President Xi said in a speech during the opening ceremony that China and Germany have a very long-term cooperation in projects in panda research, and he hoped the pair will serve as new envoys of China-Germany friendship.
This year marks the 45th anniversary in establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries. As the two sides are having more profound relations, President Xi hopes there will be more significant cooperation in panda protection.
The pair arrived in Germany last month. They will spend 15 years there as part of a conservation and breeding program.
Giant Panda Meng Meng in Chengdu on June 23, before heading to Berilin. /VCG Photo
Giant Panda Meng Meng in Chengdu on June 23, before heading to Berilin. /VCG Photo
Earlier in the day, the two countries signed a deal in panda research cooperation with the witnessing of the two leaders, who held talks in deepening bilateral relations to enhance relations between the two countries into a "comprehensive strategic partnership."
The pair are not the first pandas given or loaned to Germany by China. Bao Bao was gifted to Germany in 1980 and died in 2012.
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