Premier Wen Jiabao arrived in London on Tuesday, starting his
working visit to Britain.
In his statement upon arrival, he said that since China and the
United Kingdom established a comprehensive strategic partnership in
2004, China-UK relations have made continued progress.
"In paying this visit, which is part of the annual meetings
between the heads of government of the two countries, I hope to
broaden China's relationship with the UK and lift it to a higher
level," he said.
Wen will hold talks with British Prime Minister Tony Blair and
other leaders on international and regional issues of mutual
interest.
He will also meet with representatives of the British public "to
deepen mutual understanding and friendship and promote mutually
beneficial cooperation in all fields," the statement said.
Wen arrived in London after concluding his Finland trip. During
his stay in Helsinki, Wen attended the ninth China-EU Summit and
the sixth Asia-Europe Meeting and paid an official visit to Finland
as guest of Finnish Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen.
Britain is the second-leg of Wen's visit. He will visit Germany
and central Asia's Tajikistan, where he will also attend the fifth
Meeting of Prime Ministers of the Member States of the Shanghai
Cooperation Organization, due to be held in Tajikistan's capital of
Dushanbe.
(Xinhua News Agency September 13, 2006)
