Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and British Prime Minister Tony Blair
reached wide-ranging consensus on bilateral relations and major
international issues on Wednesday. ?
During their talks in London, Wen and Blair spoke highly of the
current Sino-British relationship since the two countries
established the comprehensive strategic partnership, and expressed
satisfaction over the first round of strategic dialogue, economic
and trade ties, and good communication and coordination on major
international and regional issues. ?
Both leaders agreed that China and Britain should consolidate
the bilateral relationship from the long-term strategic
perspective, and maintain the regular exchanges of high-level
visits, so as to usher in a new era for the development of the
comprehensive strategic partnership. ?
They also agreed to further promote bilateral economic and trade
cooperation, increase two-way investment, and give support to the
growth of small and medium-sized enterprises.
Wen and Blair vowed to improve the mechanism of high-level
dialogues on sustainable development, energy cooperation, climate
change, and environmental protection. ?
They also reached consensus on expanding cooperation in
education, culture, youth exchanges and the Olympics.
On international issues, Wen and Blair said that both China and
Britain will continue making contributions to the settlement of the
Middle East conflicts, that coordinated positions are needed to
find the best solution to Iran's nuclear dispute, and that the
nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula should be resolved peacefully
through diplomatic negotiations. ?
After the talks, the two leaders attended the signing ceremony
for cooperation documents on the establishment of China-Britain
task forces on energy and climate change. ?
Blair reiterated that Britain adheres to the one-China policy.
?
Also on Wednesday, Wen Jiabao met with British Chancellor of
Exchequer Gordon Brown. ?
(Xinhua News Agency September 14, 2006)
