People-to-people ties with UK boosted

China-United Kingdom "golden era" ties are set to gain momentum during the new era after 10 key agreements were signed at the fifth annual UK-China High-Level People to People Dialogue, which was co-chaired by Vice-Premier Liu Yandong and UK Secretary of State for Health Jeremy Hunt on Thursday.

The agreements signed during the meeting at Lancaster House in London cover connected sectors including people-to-people dialogue, education, regional cooperation, culture, tourism, and science and innovation.

"This year marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of China-UK ambassadorial diplomatic relations," Liu said. "Under the strategic guideline of the leaders of the two countries, the China-UK relationship has entered a 'golden era' and made great progress."

She suggested that both sides should constantly improve the quality and level of human exchanges to benefit more people.

Hunt spoke approvingly of the results of the two countries' exchanges and cooperation in the fields covered by the people-to-people exchange in the past five years. He said people-to-people exchanges are vital for enhancing friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

Britain is looking forward to working with China to deliver more results in cultural and people-to-people exchanges, Hunt added.

A number of UK ministers participated in the meeting, including Justine Greening, education secretary and minister for women and equalities, and Karen Bradley, secretary of state for digital, culture, media and sport.

The UK's Department for Education said in a statement that the Generation UK-China program will be expanded to give twice as many young people from disadvantaged and less represented backgrounds the opportunity to be awarded internships in China from 2018.

"This scheme allows our young people to immerse themselves in different cultures, broaden their horizons and develop the skills they need to thrive in an increasingly global jobs market," Greening said at the meeting.

During her four-day visit, Liu attended several events and met with senior British officials such as Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, and Princess Anne and Prince Andrew.

Liu called for closer communication among young people in innovation and entrepreneurship. She spoke Thursday at the seventh UK-China Young Leaders Roundtable.

The gathering at London's Southbank Centre was integrated with the UK-China High-Level People to People Dialogue.

Liu said young people are the most vibrant group and have limitless power for future development. The roundtable greatly aids in promoting cultural exchange and mutual trust, she said, and injects new impetus into China-UK relations.

Zhang Yangfei contributed to this story.