Vice-President Zeng Qinghong met with Britain's Princess Anne on Tuesday, calling for the two sides to make further efforts to push forward China-UK relations.

Zeng expressed his appreciation of the contributions made by the British royal family, saying the princess' China visit will further improve bilateral exchange and cooperation.

China and the United Kingdom witnessed good momentum of growth in bilateral relations in recent years and progress has been scored in various fields of cooperation, the Chinese vice president said, noting that China and the UK will host the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games respectively, which offers opportunities for the two sides to consolidate cooperation.

"I hope the Beijing and London Olympic Games will become two of the most wonderful sports events with their own characteristics", Zeng said. 

Princess Anne, who is also a member of the International Olympic Committee, praised the state of current UK-China relations, and expressed her belief that the Beijing Games will be a successful one.

She added that the UK is willing to strengthen exchange and cooperation.

The two sides also discussed child protection, education and social welfare.

Princess Anne arrived in China on Tuesday at the invitation of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Her visit ends on September 24.

(Xinhua News Agency September 21, 2005)