Chinese Vice Premier Meets British First Minister of Scotland to Upgrade Relations

Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang (L) meets with British First Minister of Scotland Alex Salmond in Edinburgh, Britain, Jan. 9, 2011. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin)

EDINBURGH, Britain, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang met with British First Minister of Scotland Alex Salmond in Edinburgh on Sunday to upgrade relations between China and Scotland.

"Scotland is the first stop in my British visit. Sino-British relations have seen smooth development for a long time, and friendly cooperation between China and Scotland has also been in constant development," said Li.

China regards Britain as an important strategic partner, and considers bilateral relationship from an overall, strategic and long-term perspective. China will further promote cooperation between Chinese and British regions including Scotland, which will bring solid benefits to both sides and advance the welfare of the two peoples, he added.

Li Keqiang said he appreciate the stance taken by Scotland that takes China's development as an opportunity. He added the new " China Strategy" announced by the Scottish government will help further enhance bilateral cooperation.

Scotland, rich in innovative spirit, is leading the world in renewable and green energy. The two sides should boost economic and technical exchanges and cooperation, Li said, adding China is willing to learn from and import technologies, equipment and management expertise from Scotland.

Li noted that there is still great potential for the two sides to deepen bilateral cooperation at all levels.

In addition to strengthening economic and trade cooperation, he said the two countries should also enhance exchanges in culture, education, tourism and other fields.

China supports the joint study of giant panda at the Edingburger zoo, and hopes that panda can become a goodwill ambassador for friendship between the two countries, Li said.

Salmond, British first Minister of Scotland, expressed welcome at Li's visit, and hailed the achievement and vigor of China's development. He noted that Scotland has seen increased exchanges and cooperation with China in economy, trade and culture.

China's investment in Scotland's infrastructure and renewable energy, and its participation in Scotland's world heritage preservation projects that use advanced technology will be welcome, he said, adding he is looking forward to see giant panda at the Edinburgh zoo.

Li also met with Scottish Secretary Michael Moore, and exchanged views on further developing region-to-region exchanges between the two countries, and on promoting cooperation between China and Scotland in economy and trade, finance, energy, food, travel and education.

Accompanied by Moore, Li was briefed Sunday afternoon on Scotland's efforts in developing renewable energy, and toured the pelamis wave power factory.

On Sunday evening, Li attended the welcoming dinner held by Salmond.

Li arrived in Edinburgh on Sunday morning for a four-day official visit to Britain. And Britain is the last leg of Li's three-nation Europe tour, which has already taken him to Spain and Germany.

Source: English.news.cn