Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and British Prime Minister Tony Blair reached wide-ranging consensus on bilateral relations and major international issues on Wednesday. ?

 

During their talks in London, Wen and Blair spoke highly of the current Sino-British relationship since the two countries established the comprehensive strategic partnership, and expressed satisfaction over the first round of strategic dialogue, economic and trade ties, and good communication and coordination on major international and regional issues. ?

 

Both leaders agreed that China and Britain should consolidate the bilateral relationship from the long-term strategic perspective, and maintain the regular exchanges of high-level visits, so as to usher in a new era for the development of the comprehensive strategic partnership. ?

 

They also agreed to further promote bilateral economic and trade cooperation, increase two-way investment, and give support to the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises.

 

Wen and Blair vowed to improve the mechanism of high-level dialogues on sustainable development, energy cooperation, climate change, and environmental protection. ?

 

They also reached consensus on expanding cooperation in education, culture, youth exchanges and the Olympics.

 

 

On international issues, Wen and Blair said that both China and Britain will continue making contributions to the settlement of the Middle East conflicts, that coordinated positions are needed to find the best solution to Iran's nuclear dispute, and that the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula should be resolved peacefully through diplomatic negotiations. ?

 

After the talks, the two leaders attended the signing ceremony for cooperation documents on the establishment of China-Britain task forces on energy and climate change. ?

 

Blair reiterated that Britain adheres to the one-China policy. ?

 

Also on Wednesday, Wen Jiabao met with British Chancellor of Exchequer Gordon Brown. ?

 

(Xinhua News Agency September 14, 2006)