Li Ruihuan, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, met Thursday in Edinburgh with Robin Cook, leader of Britain's House of Commons and discussed ways of enhancing bilateral ties.
Li said, during his current visit to Britain, he met with the leaders of Britain and had extensive contacts with the British people of various circles.
The British government, the parliament and the British leaders have attached great importance to developing Sino-British ties, Li said, adding that there is a solid foundation for Sino-British cooperation which will have bright prospects.
Li added that the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference attaches importance to and supports further development of Sino-British ties, and it is willing to strengthen its contacts with the British parliament and contribute to pushing forward the friendship and cooperation between the two countries.
Cook said Li's visit to Britain was fruitful, and he hoped the two countries would maintain the good momentum of exchange of visits between their leaders.
On Thursday evening, Cook hosted a banquet in Li's honor at the world-famous Edinburgh Castle.
Britain is the last leg of Li's four-nation European tour which has taken him to Bulgaria, Slovenia and Ukraine. He is expected to leave Scotland for home on Friday.
(Xinhua News Agency May 31, 2002)