The premier said that he looked forward to having in-depth exchange of views with British leaders on regional and international issues of mutual interest, and extensive contact with the British people from all walks of life to explore ways to strengthen friendship and enhance mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries.

"I am confident that with the joint efforts of both side, China- Britain comprehensive strategic partnership will continue to grow from strength to strength, bringing benefits to our peoples and contributing to world peace and development," said Wen.

During his three-day visit, Wen will have broad contacts with people from political, business and financial circles of Britain. He will also deliver a speech at the University of Cambridge, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (L) shakes hands with John Prescott, special representative of British Prime Minister Gordon Brown and former British deputy prime minister, at an airport in London Jan. 31, 2009. Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao arrived in London on Jan. 31 for a three-day visit to Britain. [Xinhua Photo]

The trip is a return visit for British Prime Minister Gordon Brown's China tour early last year. It is also aimed at implementing the annual meeting mechanism of the two leaders.

Britain is the last leg of Wen's week-long European tour, which began Tuesday and has already taken him to Switzerland, Germany, the European Union (EU) headquarters in Brussels and Spain.

(Xinhua News Agency February 1, 2009)