Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (R) and German Chancellor Angela Merkel meet the press after their talks in Beijing, capital of China, July 7, 2014. [Photo/Xinhua]

German Chancellor Angela Merkel was invited by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang to visit China this year during a phone call on Dec 23.

Premier Li said China-Germany relations have developed well and the two countries will launch a China-Germany Year of Innovative Cooperation in 2015.

Merkel said she is expecting another visit to China in 2015 to boost cooperation between the two countries. Merkel visited China from July 6 to 8 last year, which was her 7th visit to China as German Chancellor.