China-UK Forum Has Been A Success: Forum's Co-PresidentsThe co-presidents of the second meeting of the China-UK Forum, Song Jian and Michael Heseltine, said Tuesday that the meeting has been a success in promoting mutual understanding and comprehensive development of bilateral relations.Song Jian, vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), said the participants held in-depth discussions on the development of China's western regions during the two-day gathering, which ended Tuesday. "This is because the United Kingdom has obtained valuable experience in the development of its northern and western regions," he said, "which will be helpful to China." Song said Sino-British relations have witnessed comprehensive and rapid development in recent years. In particular, he said, since the first meeting of the forum was held in October 1999, more concrete cooperation and exchanges have been launched between the two countries in various sectors including finance, environmental protection, education, culture and law. He said the second meeting of the forum has raised more projects for bilateral cooperation, which he believes will help promote Sino-British cooperation in the new century. Former British Deputy Prime Minister Michael Heseltine praised for forum for its active role in promoting mutual understanding and expanding cooperation between the United Kingdom and China. He said the two countries will face some common issues in the globalization process, and the forum has provided a good opportunity for them to learn from each other and help each other. He said he is looking forward to the third meeting of the forum next year. |
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