At the invitation of Chinese Premier Li Qiang, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will pay an official visit to China from Jan. 28 to 31, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson announced Tuesday.
Spokesperson Guo Jiakun briefed media on the upcoming visit at a press conference in Beijing.
"In August 2024, President Xi Jinping held a phone call with Prime Minister Starmer at the latter's request and they met during the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro November that year, steering China-UK relations on a track toward improvement and development," said Guo.
"The international landscape is witnessing turbulence and transformation. It serves the common interest of both peoples and contributes to promoting global peace, stability, and development for China and the UK, as two permanent members of the UN Security Council, to maintain communication and enhance cooperation," he said.
During Starmer's visit, the first by a British prime minister in eight years, President Xi will meet with Starmer, Premier Li will hold talks with him and China's top legislator Zhao Leji will also meet Starmer, Guo said, adding the two sides will have in-depth exchanges on bilateral relations and issues of common interest, Guo said.
In addition to Beijing, Starmer will also visit Shanghai during this trip, Guo added.
"After taking office, the Labour government has expressed clear willingness to develop relations with China in a consistent, long-term and strategic way and has actively promoted dialogue and cooperation between the two countries. China stands ready to take this visit as an opportunity to enhance political mutual trust with the UK, deepen practical cooperation, open a new chapter of sound and steady development of China-UK relationship and together make due efforts and contributions to world peace, security, and stability," said the spokesman.
British PM to visit China
British PM to visit China
