Foreign and Military Affairs

Vice-premier urges to enhance China-UK ties

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2011-01-12 14:18

LONDON - Visiting Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang called for greater efforts to enhance China-Britain ties during a meeting with British Foreign Secretary William Hague Tuesday.

It is of great strategic significance to develop the relationship between the two countries, which share broad common interests, Li said.

To further deepen their comprehensive strategic partnership and jointly promote economic growth, China and Britain need to strengthen political mutual trust and cooperation on an equal footing, strive for a win-win situation in economic growth for both, and reinforce communication and coordination on international affairs, he said.

There is great potential and promising prospects for pragmatic bilateral cooperation in economy, trade, culture, education and other sectors, for which the two governments should create favorable conditions to better serve the two peoples, Li said.

Li also said he hopes Britain could relax visa restrictions on Chinese businessmen so as to facilitate exchange and cooperation between the corporate sectors of the two countries.

What's more, the two sides, which have identical or similar stance and views on such issues as resisting protectionism, fighting terrorism and maintaining the nuclear non-proliferation regime, should strengthen their cooperation on international affairs.

For his part, Hague said it is the consensus of British political parties to enhance Britain-China relations. With strengthened bilateral high-level contacts, more frequent communication in diplomacy, economy, trade, culture and other areas, bilateral ties would get a vigorous boost, he said.

Li and Hague also exchanged views on major international issues and other issues of mutual concern.

The Chinese vice premier started his four-day official visit to Britain on Sunday. Britain is the last leg of Li's three-nation Europe tour, which has already taken him to Spain and Germany.