Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi on Friday held a telephone conversation with British Foreign Secretary David Miliband on bilateral ties and issues of common concern.

Both sides said they highly valued the sound development of Sino-British relations and agreed that close cooperation between the two nations is especially important under the current complicated and volatile international situation.

The two sides vowed to maintain high-level visits and strengthen dialogue and cooperation in various fields.

They pledged further efforts to enhance coordination in coping with the global financial crisis and other key international and regional issues.

Both sides also agreed to further consolidate the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Britain.

(Xinhua News Agency December 13, 2008)