China hopeful of UK royal family playing key role in ties: Xi

Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) meets with visiting British Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, in Beijing,?April 5, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]

BEIJING - President Xi Jinping said on Tuesday that he expects the British royal family to continue to play an active role in promoting mutual understanding and friendship between the Chinese and British people.

Xi told visiting British Prince Andrew that he was looking forward to a more solid foundation of public support for China-UK relations during their meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

The president recalled the successful state visit he paid to Britain in October, saying he was impressed by the friendly interactions he had with Queen Elizabeth II and the wider royal family.

China appreciates the royal family's long-term contribution to the China-UK friendship, Xi said.

China is willing to make joint efforts with Britain in enhancing friendly exchanges at all levels and enriching cooperation as this year marks the first year of the "golden era" of China-UK relations, said the president.

The two sides should further increase high-level communications, run well the bilateral dialogue mechanisms, constantly deepen pragmatic cooperation in order to better benefit the two peoples, he said.

China and Britain are cultural power nations with long histories, Xi said, calling on both countries to improve people-to-people exchanges and cultural cooperation.

Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, said that he was willing to work with the Chinese side to increase people-to-people contact and make the "golden era" truly shine.