Berlin - China and Germany inked $8.7 billion worth of business deals on Friday during Chinese Vice-Premier Li Keqiang's visit to Germany.

Li was accompanied by some 120 Chinese business leaders on his current visit. The two sides signed 11 agreements and commercial contracts worth some $8.7 billion, covering such fields as automobile purchase, financial cooperation, energy and machinery.

Chinese Vice-Premier Li Keqiang and German Vice Chancellor and Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle during the signing of contracts between Chinese companies and their German counterparts in Berlin, Friday. [Photo/Xinhua]

Earlier on Friday, Li met with German President Christian Wulff and then held talks with Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Li praised the success of bilateral relations last year, especially the huge bilateral trade volume, which accounted for nearly one-third of that between China and the whole of the European Union.

The two countries, with extensive consensus, helped each other in tackling the international financial crisis, which proved that China and Germany can be "reliable partners", Li said.

Related readings:  China, Germany to sign deals worth billions of dollars  China firms to sign $6.25b deals with Germany  Chinese vice premier arrives in Germany for visit  China wants Germany to open up market

Li urged both sides to ensure the success of the first China-Germany inter-governmental consultation, due to be held later this year, through "careful planning and close consultation".

Li also promised China's support for the unity, prosperity and stability of the EU during its current economic difficulties, saying that China is ready to work hand in hand with the European bloc to deal with the crisis, and achieve mutual benefit and a win-win result.

For her part, Merkel spoke highly of the development of Germany's ties with China as well as China's achievements.

She said Germany-China relations are very close and the two countries have achieved fruitful cooperation in various fields.

In trade and economy, enterprises in both countries have expanded cooperation and investment with great enthusiasm, Merkel said.

Culturally, Merkel applauded the successful ending of "Germany-China Moving Ahead Together," a program launched in 2006 to enhance mutual understanding and friendship between the two countries.

The German leader said that Li's visit will ensure the continuity of good Germany-China ties.

Li arrived in Berlin on Thursday for a four-day visit after winding up a trip to Spain. After talking with Merkel, he met German Vice Chancellor and Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle.

He travels today to Britain, the last leg of his three-nation Europe tour. China-Britain relations are flourishing, which not only conforms to the fundamental interests of the two peoples, but is also conducive to world peace and development, says Chinese Ambassador to Britain Liu Xiaoming.

In a recent interview with London-based Chinese media prior to Chinese Vice-Premier Li Keqiang's Jan 9-12 official visit to Britain, Liu said Li was expected to meet British Prime Minister David Cameron and other leaders to exchange views on the comprehensive development of Sino-British relations.

Liu said Li would also meet with British financial and business figures, young students and scholars, and visit a science and technology innovation park.

He said Li's visit would be the first for a Chinese leader since the British coalition government took office and the first high-level exchange between the two countries in 2011.

Xinhua