Top-ranking leaders of China and Britain are expected to
exchange visits this year, Chinese Foreign Minister Li
Zhaoxing said in Beijing Friday after his talks with visiting
British Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs
Jack Straw.
Li said the foreign ministries of both nations have agreed to
make preparations for the upcoming high-level events, "to
strengthen dialogue and communication and to deepen their
cooperation in handling international affairs."
Both sides agreed to "enhance dialogue and consultation on
issues pertaining to Sino-European relations and to strive to raise
China-Europe ties to a higher height," he said.
At a joint press conference, Li said significant progress has
been scored in Sino-UK relations since Premier Wen Jiabao visited
Britain in May last year.
"China and Britain have agreed to develop a comprehensive
strategic partnership," Li said. "This decision did not come
accidentally. It's beneficial to the long-term interests of both
countries and world peace and stability."
Calling 2005 "a crucial year to the development of Sino-UK
ties," Li acknowledged that China and Britain will take up the
presidency of the Group 20 and Group 8 separately this year while
Britain will also take up the presidency of the European Union in
the latter half of the year.
"China is ready to work together with Britain to implement the
agreement both countries' leaders have reached last year and bring
more progress to the Sino-UK ties," he said.
Straw said he fully agreed with the proposals of Li Zhaoxing in
boosting the two countries' cooperation. He also expressed sympathy
and cordial regards to Chinese victims amidst the tsunamis in the
Indian Ocean and his appreciation to the contributions and
generosity of the Chinese government and Chinese people in helping
out people of tsunami-ravaged countries.
Britain was very proud to be the largest European investor in
China and a major country Chinese students would like to go for
higher education, Straw said.
Before the press conference, Straw signed an agreement with He
Guangwei, director general of the China National Tourism
Administration, making Britain an approved tourism destination for
Chinese travelers. "We welcome more Chinese to come and see our
country," said the British foreign secretary.
(Xinhua News Agency January 22, 2005)