British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw on Tuesday pledged to "galvanize" the cooperation between China and the United Kingdom in various spheres.
Delivering a speech at China's elite Tsinghua University, Straw said the UK was the first Western country to recognize the People's Republic of China and the longevity of their relationship will give both countries a strong basis from which their ties will develop further.
He said he welcomes the regular contacts on major regional and international issues at all levels between the two nations' foreign ministries.
He regarded developments in Hong Kong as "another positive elements in the relationship", saying Hong Kong has prospered since the handover in 1997, and that "One Country, Two Systems" is proving an effective approach.
With the UK being the leading European investor in China, the economic relationship between the two countries has "rarely been healthier", he said, adding the most exciting changes have been in the links between British and Chinese peoples, which will be enhanced by their tourism and educational exchanges.
The foreign secretary called on all countries, including China and the UK, to increase coordination in multilateral fora for a secure global environment and prosperous world.
British Foreign Secretary concludes China visit
British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw left Beijing Tuesday, concluding his three-day official visit to China.
During the visit, the foreign secretary met respectively with Chinese President Jiang Zemin, Vice-Premier Qian Qichen, held talks with Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan, and signed a memorandum concerning reciprocal establishment of cultural centers with Minister of Culture Sun Jiazheng.
(Edited from Xinhua News Agency July 17, 2002)
