On the evening of November 8, 2005, Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom held a grand banquet in Buckingham Palace to warmly welcome President Hu Jintao and his wife Liu Yongqing, who were on a state visit to the UK. The two heads of state delivered speeches respectively. They made highly positive comments on tangible benefits that the continuous development of bilateral relations have brought to both peoples, indicating that to steadily develop bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership is common aspiration of both sides and also conforms to the fundamental interest of both peoples.

In her welcoming speech, Elizabeth II noted that since the establishment of their diplomatic ties, the UK and China have witnessed steady development of bilateral relations with close personnel exchanges and vigorous trade and investment between both sides, cultural and sports contact has show vigor and vitality and scientific and technological cooperation has reached a new level. She emphasized that China's development has attracted world attention and admiration. The UK welcomes the opportunities brought about by China's reform and opening-up endeavor that is aimed at developing market economy. President Hu's visit reflects great importance both sides attach to developing bilateral relations. Such relations enjoy huge potential and rich opportunities and to strengthen bilateral mutually beneficial cooperation will surely benefit the two peoples.

In his return speech, Hu pointed out that both peoples are great. They created splendid cultures attracting worldwide attention in their respective historical processes and made important contributions to civilizations of mankind. During over 700 years of exchanges, the two peoples learned from achievements of each other's civilizations, which has exerted far-reaching impact on each other's economic and social progress and social life. He particularly mentioned that this year marks the 60th anniversary the Victory of the World Anti-Fascist War and the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. In that great decisive war that determined the future of the world, the army and people of both sides kept close cooperation, fought side by side dauntlessly and made precious contributions to establishing the world anti-fascist united front and winning the last success of the war.

Hu indicated that the founding of the People's Republic of China has laid a foundation for both sides to establish a new-type relationship marked by equality and mutual benefits. At present, both sides have established comprehensive strategic partnership with bilateral strategic interest increasingly expanded and remarkable achievements scored in key cooperation areas and both peoples have been building up mutual understanding and friendship with each passing day. He pointed out that currently, the world is undergoing complex and profound changes and the development of human society is faced with a wonderful future, as well as severe challenges. Under the situation marked by the coexistence of opportunities and challenges, both China and the UK, as permanent members of the UN Security Council and big countries holding great significance in their respective regions, shoulder important historical responsibility and share broad common interest in safeguarding world peace, promoting common development and responding to various challenges. China would like to work with the UK to strengthen mutual trust, expand exchanges and cooperation and contribute to enhancing welfare of both peoples, establishing a harmonious world of lasting peace and common prosperity.

Tang Jiaxuan and other Chinese companions, as well as members of the UK royal family, Prime Minister Tony Blair and other officials attended the banquet.

On the afternoon of the same day, Hu met in Buckingham Palace where he stayed with the leader of the UK Conservative Party Michael Howard and the leader of the Liberal Democrat Party Charles Kennedy respectively and briefed them on the current bilateral relations and the positive attitude of the Chinese government towards further developing bilateral strategic partnership. Howard and Kennedy indicated that they support both sides to steadily enhance their strategic partnership and further expand areas for bilateral cooperation.

Hu also attended a heavily traditional welcoming ceremony held by the Lord Mayor of Westminster Tim Joiner in St. James's Palace that was built in the 16th century. In his speech, Hu appreciated the unique status the City of Westminster holds in the political, economic and cultural life of the UK, as well as its important role in pushing for friendly exchanges between both peoples. The City of Westminster, as seat of the Royal Palace, Parliament and Government, enjoys a time-honored history.