Cai Wu (R), minister of the Information Office of the State Council, speaks at the Sino-British Media Forum in London April 16, 2007. Cai hoped China and Britain will strengthen media exchanges for mutual understanding and friendship. [photo by Chen Fafen/chinadaily.com.cn] Cai Wu (C), minister of the Information Office of the State Council, speaks at the Sino-British Media Forum in London April 16, 2007. Cai hoped China and Britain will strengthen media exchanges for mutual understanding and friendship. [cnphoto]

LONDON -- Visiting Chinese State Council Information Office Minister Cai Wu said on Monday that China would strengthen media exchanges and cooperation with Britain with a view to enhancing mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples.

Since China and Britain have enjoyed healthy and stable development of their bilateral relations, media organizations from two countries are increasingly paying more heed to each other so as to meet information requirements by their peoples respectively, Cai said at the Sino-British Media Forum.

Cai said that strengthening media exchanges between the two countries would enable Chinese and British peoples to have a better understanding on other country's history, culture and development.

The two countries have great prospects and potential for media exchanges and cooperation, he said.

Since Beijing and London are about to hold Olympic Games in 2008 and 2012 respectively, he hoped that this could enhance media cooperation between China and Britain, Cai added.

Representatives from major media organizations of China and Britain attended the Sino-British Media Forum held in London on Monday, which was chaired by Rober Thomson, editor in chief of The Times.

On Sunday, British Prime Minister Tony Blair met with Cai and his media delegation at the 10 Downing Street.

During the meeting, Blair said such a Chinese media delegation visiting UK would certainly further enhance the mutual understanding between the two peoples, and improve the development of Sino-British relations.

Cai and his delegation from Chinese major media organizations are in London for culture and media exchanges between the two countries.

British Prime Minister Tony Blair shakes hands with Cai Wu, minister of Information Office of China's State Council at 10 Downing Street in LondonApril 15, 2007. [photo by Chen Fafen/ chinadaily.com.cn]