2015-04-23

At 4:30 pm of April 23rd, 2015, Mr. ZHANG Yi went to Berlin Office of BMW Foundation and met with Mr. Michael Schaefer, Chairman of BMW Foundation and the former German Ambassador to China. Mr. ZHANG Yi, Mr. Michael Schaefer and Ms. Sabine Porn, Senior Manager of BMW Foundation held the talk on the interested issues.

Mr. ZHANG Yi and Mr. Michael Schaefer

Mr. ZHANG Yi and Mr. Michael Schaefer, Ms. Sabine Porn

Mr. Michael Schaefer is the famous diplomat of Germany. He assumed the post of German Ambassador to China in 2007 and left the post in 2013. During his service in China, he carried out in-depth field investigations into the actual situation of China and developed the better understanding of Chinese people. He was actively engaged in the work of promoting the friendly activities of all varieties between Germany and China. Within his six years in China, the bilateral relation between Germany and China grew from strength to strength. Mr. Michael Schaefer’s work has been recognized by the German and Chinese governments. After he left the post of ambassador, he assumes the post of Chairman of BMW Foundation and continues to work devotedly for the mutual understanding among people all around the world.

Mr. ZHANG Yi extended his greetings to Mr. Michael Schaefer, the friend of many years and expressed his thanks for the reception by the latter, who was fully occupied by so many things. Mr. Michael Schaefer was also very glad to receive the old friend from afar. Then, Mr. ZHANG Yi introduced the work he had done since October, 2014, in which he assumed the post of Executive Chairman of Europe-China Culture and Economy Commission.

Mr. Michael Schaefer congratulated Mr. ZHANG on his new job and recognized Mr. ZHANG’s original idea of promoting the mutual understanding between European and Chinese people through the economic cooperation and cultural exchange. He believed, in line with his diplomatic experiences for many years, the mutual understanding was the basis for the cooperation, while the cooperation would reinforce the mutual understanding. No matter who might take the first move, if there were some actual deeds, there would be positive effects. Mr. ZHANG Yi agreed, and pointed out that the mission of the Commission was to encourage the mutual understanding between European and Chinese people through the concrete projects of culture and economy. Since Mr. Michael Schaefer had such rich experiences of diplomatic service and had made the huge contribution to the work of furthering the friendship between German and Chinese people, at present, Mr. Schaefercontinued his related work at BMW Foundation, Mr. ZHANG expected to receive the instruction from Mr. Schaeferas for the related work.

Mr. Michael Schaefer affectionately recalled his days as German Ambassador to China. On many occasions, he had presented his idea that listening and understanding would be conducive to dispelling prejudices. Henceforth, he thought the Commission should play this role in an active way and bring the capability of understanding Europe and China to the full in the hope of replacing the conflict with dialogue, prejudice with understanding. He made the further argument that right now, the Chinese government had put forward the policy of the Belt and Road, many westerners and the people along the Belt and Road might not have a clear understanding of this policy, or want to have a better understanding; it might be of great necessity to hold the related forum and transmit the related information in order to jointly bring forth the solution. Mr. ZHANG Yi was glad to find that what Mr. Schaefer had thought was just what the Commission was doing without any previous consultation. Then, Mr. ZHANG elaborated on the international forum with the topic of building core areas of the Belt and Road, which would be held by the Commission in September of this year. Mr. ZHANG invited Mr. Schaeferto attend this meeting.

Mr. Michael Schaefer recognized what the Commission had done and offered the suggestion. Since the Belt and Road was the issue concerning the international cooperation in the long run, it would be necessary to continue this forum and manage to hold the forum in other countries. In this way, the policy of the Belt and Road would be understood by the local people along the Belt and Road. As for the forum of September, BMW Foundation happened to hold the forum in Tanzania, whose date was in conflict with the Commission’s forum, therefore, he was sorry to miss it. Mr. Schaefersaid, he would try other ways to support this forum and would like to attend the forum of next year.

Mr. ZHANG Yi expressed his thanks for Mr. Schaefer’s support and looked forward to carrying out the cooperation in the future between the Commission and BMW Foundation in the hope of making the concrete contribution to the friendship between Chinese and European people with a view to reinforcing the mutual understanding and dispelling prejudices. Mr. Michael Schaefer indicated his willingness to make the concerted effort with Mr. ZHANG Yi.

The meeting concluded amid the friendly atmosphere.