Hu calls for lasting peace, development
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2005-11-09 10:53

It is therefore the common wish of the two sides and conducive to the fundamental interests of the two countries and peoples to continuously develop China-Britain strategic partnership under thenew historical conditions, the Chinese president said.

"I am ready to have contact with people from various sectors ofthe United Kingdom during my current visit, and listen to their views on how to further develop China-UK relations," he said.

Hu said he believes that as long as the two sides work hand in hand, the China-UK comprehensive strategic partnership will yield more fruitful results.

The queen, in her speech, said it is now almost 20 years since she last visited China and since then China's development has caught the world's attention and admiration.

"I am pleased that so many young Chinese people choose to study and gain work experience in the United Kingdom," she said.

"More and more British people now work, travel and study in China, where we have a dynamic trade and investment relationship with British companies creating jobs in your country and Chinese companies doing the same here," she said.

On Hu's current visit, the queen said the trip allows the two sides "to draw attention to the flourishing relationship between the United Kingdom and China and to demonstrate the importance we attach to its development."

"It is a relationship of great consequence to us, full of potential and rich in opportunity for the people of both our countries," said the queen.

Hu arrived in London earlier in the day for a state visit aimedat promoting the comprehensive strategic partnership established between the two countries last year.