BERLIN - Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang arrived here Thursday on the second stop of his three-nation Europe tour to promote China's relations with European Union nations.

During his four-day stay in Germany, Li will hold talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and meet with German President Christian Wulff, Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle and Economy Minister Rainer Bruederle.

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He is also scheduled to address a gathering of German business representatives.

"Throughout the years, China-Germany relations have grown steadily. The two countries have established a strategic partnership," Li said in a guest article published by German newspaper Sueddeutsche Zeitung Wednesday.

"Over the past two years, China and Germany have worked hand in hand to tackle the international financial crisis," the article said, adding both countries were among the first to achieve an early and strong economic recovery, and had contributed actively to the world economic recovery.

The article also said the two countries should expand trade cooperation, promote mutual investment and deepen cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

Chinese ambassador to Germany Wu Hongbo told Xinhua he believed Li's visit to Germany would lay solid ground for developing the two countries' relations for the year, and charter the course for and add fresh momentum to the relations.

Before arriving in Germany, Li visited Spain. He also will visit Britain.