President Hu Jintao left Beijing yesterday for state visits to four European and Asian nations between November 8 and 19 at the invitation of Queen Elizabeth II of Britain, German President Horst Koehler, Spanish King Juan Carlos I and the Republic of Korea (ROK) President Roh Moo-hyun.

The tour mirrors the great significance China attaches to its rapport with the four countries.

During the visits, Hu will meet top leaders of these nations and address a wide range of matters of common concern and work for the growth of bilateral ties to promote all-round exchanges.

A series of documents in the political and economic spheres will undoubtedly boost co-operation and mutual trust.

Hu's visit to Britain takes place amid the steady growth of the China-UK all-round strategic partnership.

As two of the world's most influential countries and permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, China and Britain have common interests and shoulder major responsibilities in international affairs.

The two nations have an extensive range of exchanges and collaborations covering the financial, insurance, aviation, cultural, scientific, technological and educational areas. The high-level consultation mechanisms in all fields between them in both governmental and non-governmental sectors have strengthened mutual trust and co-ordination.

China and Germany, with an increasing expansion of political mutual trust and economic co-operation, have maintained communications and co-ordination on major international and regional matters.

Growing economic and trade ties between the two countries are not only of mutual benefit, but also in turn serve to enhance overall co-operation and understanding.

Tremendous progress has been made in exchanges in education, technology, environmental protection and legislation.

Hu's visit will promote the Sino-German strategic partnership.

The launch of negotiations on a new framework agreement shaping diplomatic ties between China and the European Union for the next 20 years at the eighth China-EU Summit this September demonstrates that both sides are aware of the importance of strengthening their comprehensive partnership.

This will contribute not only to mutual prosperity and the growth of the regional and world economies, but also to world peace and stability by promoting multilateralism.

Hu will wrap up this trip in ROK's Busan where he will attend the APEC meeting scheduled for November 18 to 19.

As the most influential forum in the Asia-Pacific region, the APEC gathering is expected to make progress in backing the sound development of the multilateral trade system as well as dealing with worldwide challenges of current importance.

Hu will introduce China's economic growth over the next few years and make proposals concerning the prevention and control of epidemics.

Through in-depth and pragmatic exchanges with the rest of the world, Hu's diplomatic endeavor will be rewarding, which is conducive to the growth of China and the world as a whole.

(China Daily November 9, 2005)