Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) meets with German Vice Chancellor and Minister of Economics and Energy Sigmar Gabriel, who also chairs the Social Democratic Party (SPD), in Duesseldorf, Germany, March 29, 2014. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing)

China and Germany should further enhance bilateral trade and investment cooperation, said Chinese President Xi Jinping Saturday while meeting with German Vice Chancellor and Minister of Economics and Energy Sigmar Gabriel.

Economic, trade and investment cooperation, the foundation of China-Germany relationship, should be promoted, Xi said.

"During my visit to Germany, both sides decided to lift bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership. With the connotation enriched, both countries are more confident in their relationship, while their cooperation is more comprehensive with a brighter future," Xi said.

The China-Germany economic relationship now involves trade, investment and finance, Xi said, calling for in-depth cooperation in these areas.

Pushing forward the new-pattern industrialization, informationization, urbanization and agricultural modernization, China is transforming its economic development model and structure, which brings more cooperation opportunities for China and Germany, Xi added.

Xi urged both sides to take the opportunities and step up cooperation.

The Chinese leader praised the Social Democratic Party (SPD) of Germany, which is chaired by Gabriel, for its historic contribution to the development of China-Germany relations, said Xi, adding the Communist Party of China (CPC) pays high attention to developing its relationship with the SPD.

He expressed the hope that Gabriel will make fresh contribution to the cooperation between the two parties and countries.

For his part, Gabriel said the German side attaches importance to China's status as a major country and is willing to strengthen pragmatic cooperation in various areas.

Germany is open to Chinese investment and enterprises, he said, adding China's proposal for the Silk Road economic belt is attractive to Germany and hoping it becomes a new engine for bilateral cooperation.

Germany, agreeing with China in advocating harmony despite diversity among countries, hopes the two countries can enhance dialogue and communication, promote mutual understanding and trust, and learn from each other, said Gabriel.

The SPD will maintain friendly exchanges with the CPC and actively push forward Germany-China relations, the German leader said.