Britain's Prince William presents President Xi Jinping (R) with a large envelope containing an invitation from the queen to visit Britain this year at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing March 2, 2015.[Photo/asianewsphoto]

President Xi Jinping said on Monday he looks forward to visiting Britain this year at the invitation of Queen Elizabeth II as he received Prince William, the first senior British royal to visit the Chinese mainland in a generation.

The relationship between China and Britain is heading for the fast track, Xi said in Beijing, highlighting two-way trade worth $80 billion and cooperation in sectors including finance, nuclear power and high-speed rail.

The president thanked the contribution of the British royal family in enhancing cooperation in trade, environmental protection and culture, and welcomed the prospect of more royals visiting China.

Fascinated by China since childhood, the prince, also the the Duke of Cambridge, said his goal was to boost greater cooperation between the countries, especially in strengthening exchanges between young people.