The leaders of China and Germany Friday agreed a joint communique saying the two countries will push forward their strategic partnership in a comprehensive way. The joint communique was issued after visiting German Chancellor Angela Merkel held talks with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao Friday morning and met with President Hu Jintao in the afternoon. The communique said the Sino-German relationship had deepened during their handling of the global financial crisis. The two countries shared comprehensive common interests, and shouldered important responsibilities in combating international challenges. China and Germany were ready to maintain regular contacts between their leaders, and continue annual prime minister-level meetings. Germany reiterated its adherence to the one-China policy in the communique. The two sides said they would respect each other's core interests and deepen political mutual trust, so as to ensure steady and long-term development of the bilateral relationship. The two sides agreed to lift the existing Sino-German strategic dialogue to a higher level, saying they valued the significance of bilateral dialogue mechanisms, including the strategic dialogue, the dialogue between nations ruled by law and human rights dialogue. The communique said it was very important for countries to practice rule of law and protect human rights. They considered the dialogue on countries ruled by law, which had been conducted for 10 years, a success, and would continue the dialogue. China and Germany agreed to continue dialogue on issues of security and military policies within Sino-German military cooperation framework, in an effort to enhance mutual trust and expand military contacts. The two sides also recognized their concerted efforts in combating Somali pirates. China welcomed achievements made in European integration and a more active role by the European Union in international affairs. The two countries would promote the negotiation of an agreement on China-EU cooperative partnership, which was initiated in 2007. This is Merkel's fourth China visit. Later Friday, she will fly to Xi'an, in northwest China's Shaanxi Province. 