Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and British Prime Minister David Cameron exchanged congratulatory messages Tuesday to mark the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and the United Kingdom.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (R) shakes hands with British Prime Minister David Cameron (L). [File photo]

In his message, Wen said that the China-Britain relationship has stood various tests in the ever-changing international arena since the two sides established ambassadorial-level diplomatic relations 40 years ago, Xinhua reported.

With bilateral cooperation further broadening and deepening, the China-Britain comprehensive strategic partnership has now become increasingly mature, he added.

A variety of high-level dialogue channels and consultation mechanisms have been set up between the  two countries, Wen said. And the two countries have reached unprecedented levels in cooperation on bilateral ties and global affairs.

Noting that the international situation is undergoing profound changes and the international community is facing increasing common challenges, Wen said China and Britain, as two permanent members of the UN Security Council and major players on the world stage, shoulder momentous responsibility and meantime have extensive common interests.

China is ready to work with Brtain to further enhance mutual political trust and expand bilateral cooperation so as to bring more benefits to the two peoples and promote global prosperity and stability, Wen continued.

Cameron said that the Britain-China relationship has seen growth in strength and breadth over the past 40 years and that he looks forward to many more years of close cooperation between the two countries.

Citing the inaugural Anglo-Chinese People-to-People Dialogue and the 2012 Summer Olympics, both to be held in Britain later this year, Cameron said "I believe this will provide a unique opportunity to raise our educational and cultural links to a new level."

"This is very important, both for us today, and for future generations," the British prime minister said.

"The UK-China relationship continues to become both stronger and deeper with every passing year," UK Ambassador to China Sebastian Wood said in a news release. "In our anniversary year, I express my warmest wishes to the Chinese people."

"The British Government is determined to further develop the extensive political, business, cultural and educational links between our two nations," the ambassador continued.

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