President Xi Jinping welcomed G20 Summit host city Hamburg to participate in the building of the Belt and Road, given that the city is well situated to help connect China and Europe.

Xi made the remarks on Thursday while meeting with Olaf Scholz, mayor of Hamburg, shortly after his arrival from Berlin for the summit of many of the world's leading economies on Friday and Saturday.

The city is an important port in Germany, which is among the first European countries to cooperate with China, Xi said.

The president noted that Hamburg is one of the European cities with the highest concentrations of regional offices opened by Chinese companies. It also is a key seaport for the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, linking China with Europe and other areas, as well as an important terminus for China-Europe cargo rail express services, he said.

Xi said that China appreciates the welcoming attitude that the mayor of Hamburg has expressed repeatedly toward Chinese companies.

China backs Germany's hosting of this year's G20 Summit, which is expected to achieve positive outcomes by building on the accomplishments of last year's summit in Hangzhou, he added.

Scholz expressed support for the Belt and Road Initiative, saying that Germany would like to participate.

Many Chinese companies are investing in Hamburg, the mayor said, and the city would like to enhance cooperation with China in all areas.

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(China Daily 07/08/2017 page3)