State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan said in Beijing Wednesday that China is willing to further strengthen communication and cooperation with the Conservative Party of the UK.

 

Tang made the remarks in a meeting with a delegation of the Conservative Party headed by the party leader William Hague, who is also the country's Shadow Foreign Secretary.

 

Tang said the bilateral relations between China and the UK have continuously achieved new progress since the two realized the transfer of government in Hong Kong. The two countries have strengthened their coordination and communication in dealing with international or regional issues.

 

Tang also expressed his appreciation for the Conservative Party's long-term and positive policy on developing China-UK relations, adding that he hoped the party can continue to make contribution to deepening mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples.

 

Hague said his party attaches great importance to enhancing its ties with China and is ready to cement the traditional friendship with China in various fields.

 

The two sides also exchanged views on the current international situation and key international issues of common concern.

 

(Xinhua News Agency September 7, 2006)