Wen visit boosts ties with Germany

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder adopted a joint declaration to boost trade and political ties between the two countries. The declaration was adopted after the signing of six major business contracts between Chinese and German companies during Wen's first visit to Germany as premier. Schroeder said Germany plans to double its trade with China by 2010. The German chancellor also reiterated his support for the lifting of the European Union embargo on weapons sales to China that was initiated in 1989. Wen voiced support for Germany obtaining a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.