Foreign and Military Affairs

Wen, British PM meet on furthering ties, co-op

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2011-06-28 05:37

China's Premier Wen Jiabao (L) attends a joint press conference with Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron at the Foreign Office in central London June 27, 2011. [Photo/Xinhua]

LONDON - Visiting Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao met here Monday with his British counterpart David Cameron on further promoting bilateral ties and cooperation.

During their talks, Wen said that against the backdrop of the current complex international situation, there are no major strategic conflicts between China and Britain, and their common interests outweigh differences.

Maintaining and advancing sound China-Britain relations is conducive to the development of both countries and will play a positive role in reshaping the world pattern, said Wen.

On the issue of human rights, Wen said that the two sides need to properly patch up differences through dialogue and promote mutual understanding.

The Chinese premier also made proposals on advancing cooperation.

The two sides need to further tap the potential for future cooperation and strive to attain the gaol of 100 billion U.S. dollars in bilateral trade by 2015, he said.

And the two sides also should take advantage of the cultural exchange mechanism in a bid to boost cooperation in various areas such as education, culture, youth exchanges and media.

On his part, Cameron said Britain attaches great importance to its relations with China whose development provides Britain with opportunities.

Britain is willing to conduct dialogues and consultations with China in various fields including human rights, on the basis of mutual respect, he said.

Cameron agreed with Wen's proposal for closer pragmatic bilateral cooperation, and hoped that the two sides will further open their markets to each other, enhance their exchanges and cooperation in trade, investment, high tech, financial service, infrastructure, education and the cultural sector, and become partners making joint efforts for economic growth.

Britain stands ready to further strengthen communication and coordination with China in international affairs, he added.

The two leaders also exchanged views on climate change and the Doha round world trade negotiations.

Before the talks, Cameron held a grand ceremony to welcome Premier Wen.

Britain is the second leg of Wen's current three-nation Europe tour, which has already taken him to Hungary and will also take him to Germany.