BEIJING, Oct. 29 -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang held talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel Thursday morning at the Great Hall of the People.

At Li's invitation, Merkel is making an official visit to China from Thursday to Friday. It is her eighth visit to China since 2005 in the capacity of chancellor.

Prior to the talks, Li held a red-carpet ceremony to welcome the German chancellor.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang told a press briefing on Wednesday that President Xi Jinping and top legislator Zhang Dejiang will also meet with Merkel.

Besides Beijing, Merkel will pay a visit to eastern China's Anhui Province, Premier Li's hometown and a place which has benefited from strong economic ties between Germany and China.

The frequent China visits by the German chancellor in last decade show the close relationship between the two countries, Lu said, adding that there is greater potential for further cooperation.