Zhang Zhili, Vice Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China, held a work meeting with Ophelia Nick, Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister of Food and Agriculture of Germany, in Berlin on Jan. 18. They exchanged views on further deepening Sino-German agricultural cooperation. 

Vice Minister Zhang noted that agricultural cooperation between China and Germany enjoys a long history featuring mature relations, stable mechanisms, and a rich variety of activities. Pragmatic cooperation has always been a distinctive characteristic of Sino-German agricultural relations. He said that with the signing of the Joint Declaration of Intent, the two sides should plan a set of pragmatic cooperative projects on ecological agriculture and carry out effective actions in areas such as rural development, young agricultural talent exchange, and agricultural technology. 

Parliamentary State Secretary Nick welcomed Vice Minister Zhang’s visit, saying that Germany hopes to deepen pragmatic agricultural cooperation between China and Germany and conduct close exchange with China on topics including agro-trade and animal disease prevention and control. After the meeting, the two sides signed the Joint Declaration of Intent Between the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the People's Republic of China and the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture of the Federal Republic of Germany: A Joint Plan for Realizing a Sustainable Future for the Sino-German Innovation Partnership on Agricultural Ecology. 

That same morning, Vice Minister Zhang attended the 17th Berlin Agriculture Ministers’ Conference. Vice Minister Zhang pointed out that China adheres to the philosophy that “lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets.” With a focus on green development, China has accelerated the utilization of agricultural waste resources as well as the development and utilization of biomass energy, while making steady progress in improving rural toilets and managing household waste. China hopes to work with all parties to strengthen policy dialogue, promote technology exchange, foster industrial cooperation, and propel biological agriculture in a more sustainable manner, thus making greater contributions to safeguarding global food security and building a community with a shared future for mankind. Agriculture ministers and deputy ministers from nearly 80 countries, along with senior representatives of international organizations, attended the conference.