Politics
08:03, 06-Jul-2017
Xi, Merkel watch China-Germany youth soccer game in Berlin
[]
Share
Copied
Chinese President Xi Jinping and German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Wednesday watched a football match between Chinese and German youth teams, encouraging young players to foster friendship.
"You are the future of Chinese and German football," Xi told the Chinese and German squads before the friendly match kicked off in Berlin's Olympiastadion.
"I hope you can develop the hardworking spirit, learn from each other, and maintain close friendship," said Xi.
Merkel welcomed the Chinese president and his wife, Peng Liyuan, before they met German football dignitaries on the field. The leaders also took a tour of a photo exhibition on football cooperation between the two countries' schools.
Chinese President Xi Jinping, his wife Peng Liyuan, and German Chancellor Angela Merkel pose for a group photo with members of Chinese and German youth football teams in Berlin, Germany, on July 5, 2017. /Xinhua Photo
Chinese President Xi Jinping, his wife Peng Liyuan, and German Chancellor Angela Merkel pose for a group photo with members of Chinese and German youth football teams in Berlin, Germany, on July 5, 2017. /Xinhua Photo
After the match, Xi said that China and Germany are advancing football cooperation and it is a systematic project to improve football skills.
China is willing to push for all-round football cooperation with Germany, said Xi.
President Xi arrived in Berlin on Tuesday afternoon for a state visit, before heading to Hamburg to attend the G20 Summit.
(Source: Xinhua)
7368km
Related story: