China, Britain lift ties to 'global' level

President Xi Jinping (L, back) and British Prime Minister David Cameron meet media after their talks at 10 Downing Street in London, Britain, Oct. 21, 2015. [Photo/Xinhua]

As long as both sides stick to mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, inclusiveness and mutual learning, the China-Britain relationship can develop in an enduring, stable and healthy way, he said.

China will encourage its enterprises to invest in north England, and it welcomes Britain's decision to be the first major Western country to become a prospective founding member of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, Xi said, adding that China also seeks Britain's support in joining the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

Xi's state visit, the first by a Chinese president in a decade, is bearing rich fruit as a series of agreements have been reached covering many big projects.

Britain is ready to expand cooperation with China in finance, energy, creative industry and visa policy, Cameron said during his talks with Xi, adding that his country welcomes Chinese investment and supports China in reaching a free trade agreement with the European Union.

The two sides agreed to maintain high-level exchanges and enhance communication and cooperation on such issues as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, international economic and financial governance, climate change and peacekeeping, according to the statement.

They also vowed to promote cooperation in fields ranging from trade, finance and infrastructure to high-end manufacturing, new energy, environmental protection, bio-pharmaceutical technology and capital market, and expand people-to-people exchanges.

The two countries also pledged to maintain communication and cooperation within the framework of the United Nations, according to the statement.