Chinese Vice Premier Wraps Up Europe Tour

Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang on Wednesday evening wrapped up his four-day visit to Britain, the last leg of his three-nation Europe tour, which had earlier taken him to Spain and Germany.

During his visit to Britain, Li met with British Prime Minister David Cameron, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne, Foreign Secretary William Hague and Business Secretary Vince Cable.

When meeting with Cameron, Li said his visit was aimed at consolidating the sustained development of China-Britain ties.

With the world today undergoing profound changes and the deep-seated impact of the global financial crisis still lingering, it is of strategic significance for China and Britain to enhance their cooperation, which not only benefits the two countries and peoples, but contributes to world peace, prosperity and development as well, Li said.

Looking into the future, he said, both sides should further deepen their comprehensive strategic partnership, enhance their win-win cooperation and seek common development from an overall and long-term perspective.

China and Britain also inked business deals worth about $4.7 billion during Li's visit. The two sides signed 15 agreements and commercial contracts in the presence of Li and Clegg, covering such fields as low carbon, wildlife protection, deep-sea oil and gas exploration and development, as well as financial cooperation.

In Germany, Li praised the achievements in bilateral relations last year, especially the huge bilateral trade volume, which accounted for nearly one third of that between China and the whole European Union (EU).

The two countries, with extensive consensus, helped each other in tackling the international financial crisis, which proved that China and Germany can be "reliable partners," Li said.

The Chinese leader believed that there is still great potential for deepening bilateral ties as well as enhancing trade and economic cooperation.

Moreover, he urged both sides to ensure the success of the first China-Germany inter-governmental consultation, due to be held later this year, through "careful planning and close consultation."

During the visit, China and Germany signed a series of agreements and commercial contracts worth some $8.7 billion, covering areas like automobile purchase, financial cooperation, energy and machinery.

During his visit to Spain, Li said China sincerely hoped Spain and Europe would achieve steady growth and sustained prosperity, calling for further development of the relations between China and the European Union.

The vice premier lauded the mutual understanding and support between China and Spain since they forged diplomatic relations 38 years ago, as well as their comprehensive strategic partnership.

He also spoke highly of the China-Spain cooperation in such areas as finance, telecommunications, tourism, education and culture.

Good China-Spain relations would help promote China's cooperation with other Spanish-speaking nations, Li said, adding that the two countries have become good partners and good friends despite the differences in their historical and cultural backgrounds, levels of development and social systems.

During Li's visit, governmental agreements and commercial contracts signed by both sides covered 16 programs, with a total value of some $7.5 billion.

(Xinhua News Agency January 12, 2011)