China, UK agree to enhance strategic partnership to higher level

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Source: CCTV.com | 01-18-2008 15:27

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and British Prime Minister Gordon Brown have agreed to move the Sino-British strategic partnership to a higher level. The two heads of government held talks on day one of Brown's visit to China.

Both sides agree that China-UK ties are now closer than ever.

This is Gordon Brown's first visit to China as Britain's Prime Minister since he took office last June. Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao held a welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the People on Friday morning.

Both sides agree their ties are now closer than ever.

The enhanced partnership is emphasized by the promotion of their regular financial and economic dialogue from ministerial level to Vice Prime Minister's level. And the two countries are confident their trade volume will hit 60 billion US dollars in 2010.

Both sides are committed to extending the dialogues from economics and finance to include science, education, culture, arts, sports and all

major issues affecting their countries and the world at large.

Wen Jiabao said, We have established a very good work and personal relationship. And, just now, we frankly exchanged our views on a wide range of issues. Through our joint efforts, the Sino-British relationship has entered a new stage of comprehensive development."

The two countries signed 8 documents on trade and investment, education and academia, energy and the environment, climate change as well as cooperation for the Olympics. The British Prime Minister says he hopes Chinese businesses will invest in the UK.

Brown reiterated Britain's commitment to the One China policy and its opposition to Taiwan's secessionist activities.

And the two sides reached consensus on regional and world affairs, including the issues facing Darfur and Myanmar.

China and Britain are both permanent members of the UN Security Council. And their capital cities, Beijing and London, will both be hosting Summer Olympics. This provides a common ground for the two sides to strengthen exchanges at all levels. And Gordon Brown's visit to China is expected to add new momentum to the bilateral strategic partnership.

Editor:Zhang Ning