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| Chinese leaders welcome Tony Blair |
| CCTV.COM 2003-07-22 09:07:59 |
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Visiting British Prime Minister Tony Blair has received a friendly welcome by top Chinese leaders on the second day of Blair's three－day official visit to China, the last leg of his Asian tour. Chinese President Hu Jintao, Central Military Commission Chairman Jiang Zemin and Premier Wen Jiabao held separate meetings with the British leader on Monday, pledging to develop stronger ties with his country.
 President Hu Jintao said he was very pleased to see Blair again in Beijing after meeting him in St. Petersburg and Evian not long ago.
Blair shared the new Chinese leader's satisfaction over the sound development of bilateral ties in recent years, adding that he hoped his visit would further help consolidate enhanced ties.
 Blair told Central Military Commission Chairman Jiang Zemin that he had a fond memory of Jiang's visit to Britain in 1999, as well as his previous visit to China five years ago.
Jiang Zemin said Sino－British relations had experienced highs and lows over the past several decades, adding that bilateral ties had entered a new stage of sustained growth beginning in 1997 and have since demonstrated unprecedented vigor and great potential.
Earlier in the day, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao held a welcome ceremony for the British leader. Wen said, "Together with you, to explore the bilateral relations between China and the United Kingdom."
 Blair described the closed－door talks with the Chinese premier as a candid exchange of views on many topics. He also said the agreements reached will help secure bilateral ties.
Premier Wen told Blair that the principle of "one country, two systems" has proven successful in Hong Kong. He added that despite many difficulties, the region enjoyed economic stability and development, and the people's legal rights and freedom were fully guaranteed.
Blair said Britain appreciated China's response to Hong Kong's recent issues. Blair also said Britain hopes to find a way to maintain the Hong Kong SAR's stability.
On the international front, Blair voiced his hope that the two sides could work together to help create a stable and peaceful international environment.
The two leaders also agreed to strengthen their coordination on various issues, such as the DPRK nuclear issue and the Mideast peace process, as well as in the reconstruction of post－war Iraq.
After their talks, the two leaders witnessed the signing of a number of cooperation documents that aim to build on bilateral trade ties already worth more than 11 billion US dollars.
See also:
Tony Blair arrives in Beijing for official visit
China, UK growing ever closer in trade
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Editor: Yang Feiyang CCTV.com
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