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Wen wraps up UK tour, urges more cooperation

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2011-06-28 10:46

LONDON - Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao wrapped up his three-day visit to Britain on Monday afternoon, calling for further promoting bilateral ties and various cooperation between the two nations.

Britain was the second leg of Wen's three-nation Europe tour, which had already taken him to Hungary. He is now in Germany.

Premier Wen Jiabao waves as he stands with Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron in Downing Street in London June 27, 2011. [Photo/Agencies]

When meeting with his British counterpart David Cameron, 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 goal of $100 billion 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.

During the visit, Wen also addressed the Royal Society in London, expounding China's policies and future path, saying China has a bright future in both economy and other fields.

The Chinese premier also recalled his previous three visits to Britain in his capacity, especially the last one in 2009, saying he admired Britain's efforts and achievements in tackling the global financial crisis.

Wen said that Britain's advanced technologies and managerial expertise in research, higher education, financial services, public health and medical services as well as its development of low-carbon economy can well meet China's demand while China's vast market, abundant human resources and huge development potential can help boost Britain's economic recovery.

"I have every confidence in and great expectation for the future of China-UK relations," he said.

Wen also stressed communication and cooperation between big powers when holding respective meetings with former British prime ministers Tony Blair and Gordon Brown.

China's support to Britain and Europe is not merely in words, but in concrete actions, Wen noted, adding that China is willing to comprehensively deepen its exchanges and cooperation with Britain and Europe on the basis of mutual respect and equality.

When meeting with British Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg and figures from British economic circles, Premier Wen proposed that China and Britain prioritize their cooperation on boosting green economy to jointly pursue sustainable development and contribute to world economic recovery and the fight against climate change.

China and Britain advocate free trade and attach importance to multilateral trade mechanisms, and both sides should jointly oppose all forms of protectionism and substantially advance the Doha round negotiations, he said.

In addition, Wen called on Chinese and British companies to strengthen cooperation to score bigger achievements, when touring MG Motor, a subsidiary of China's Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation, which is the first Chinese carmaker to make mass production and sales in Europe and America.