When Germany and China signed documents establishing diplomatic relations on Oct 11, 1972, it was the first chapter of what was to become a success story.

China and Germany have since become each other's most important regional trade partners and have established more than 30 mechanisms for dialog on various issues including economic cooperation, development, human rights and the media.

Sino-German intergovernmental consultations held in Berlin in June 2011 - the first of its kind that China has ever held with another country - illustrated, that cooperation has now reached an unprecedented level in cultural, political and economic affairs.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations - a special occasion that certainly deserves special attention. Hence a unique logo had to be found for the celebrations in China.

The German Embassy asked netizens and professional designers for design proposals and the four best ones were put to a vote on the embassy's website and microblog. The agile online community eagerly responded with thousands of clicks for their preferred design.

There will be plenty of other bilateral events in 2012 that mark four decades of diplomatic ties.

The northeastern city of Shenyang will see the opening of a new German consulate. It will be the fifth in China after Shanghai, Hong Kong, Guangzhou and Chengdu.

At the end of March, another important event will be the closing ceremony for the very successful "The Art of Enlightenment" exhibition at the Chinese National Museum in Beijing.

In May, the Chinese-German Young Professional Summer School will provide an opportunity for exchanges between outstanding young professionals from the two countries as they discuss low-carbon economies and sustainable urban development in the 21st century.

Another example of bilateral efforts is a center for vocational training set to open in Chongqing this year.

Big celebrations on Oct 11 will commemorate Sino-German friendship with a vibrant citizens festival and an official ceremony with presence of government ministers and officials.