On Wednesday in the UK Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and British Prime Minister Tony Blair reached wide-ranging agreement on bilateral relations and major international issues.  

 

During their talks in London both Wen and Blair spoke highly of current Sino-British relationships since the two countries established their comprehensive strategic partnership. They expressed satisfaction over the first round of strategic dialogue, economic and trade ties and good communication and coordination on major international and regional issues.

 

Both leaders agreed China and Britain should consolidate their bilateral relationship from a long-term strategic perspective and maintain regular exchanges at a high level. This would assist guide in a new era for the development of the comprehensive strategic partnership.

 

They also agreed to further promote bilateral economic and trade cooperation, increase two-way investment and give support to the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises.

 

Wen and Blair vowed to improve the mechanism for high-level talks on sustainable development, energy cooperation, climate change and environmental protection. They also reached consensus on expanding cooperation in education, culture, youth exchanges and the Olympics.  

 

 

On international issues Wen and Blair said both China and Britain would continue making contributions to the settlement of the Middle East conflicts, that coordinated positions were needed to find the best solution to Iran's nuclear dispute and that the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula should be resolved peacefully through diplomatic negotiations.

 

After the talks the two leaders attended the signing ceremony of cooperation documents on the establishment of China-Britain task forces on energy and climate change.

 

Blair reiterated that Britain adheres to the one-China policy. On Wednesday Wen Jiabao also met with British Chancellor, Gordon Brown.

 

Closer Hong Kong and London Ties Benefit Both: British Minister

 

(Xinhua News Agency September 14, 2006)