China-Britain cultural exchanges

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang met with the British Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt for cultural discussions.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, on Wednesday, praised the progress of China-UK cultural exchanges, urging joint efforts from both sides to expand people-to-people exchanges and enhance mutual understanding.

British Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt has visited China to co-chair the second meeting of the China-UK high-level cultural exchange mechanism with Chinese Vice Premier Liu Yandong.

Calling the cultural mechanism one of the three pillars for China-UK ties: together with economic, financial and strategic dialogue, Li said it has helped to facilitate bilateral cooperation in various areas and build up a solid partnership between China and UK.

He urged both sides to work on high-quality projects in their cultural exchanges, expand cooperation in education, health, youth and tourism, to boost peoples' understanding and consolidate public opinion on bilateral ties.

In return, Jeremy Hunt said his country hopes to strengthen exchanges with China and make full play of the role of cultural exchanges.

Premier Li and British Prime Minister David Cameron sent congratulatory letters to the meeting, noting appreciation for its work.

"China-UK ties have come to an important period that links the past and the future", Li said in his letter, calling on both sides to hold in-depth dialogues, build consensus and make new contributions to a brighter future for China-UK ties.

The first cultural exchanges was launched by Liu and Hunt in London in April 2012, to create more opportunities for direct communication between the two people and bring more trade opportunities.