On the afternoon of December 1, 2004, Chairman Wu Bangguo of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) of China met with visiting UK Deputy Prime Minister & First Secretary of State John Prescott at the Great Hall of the People.

Wu said that currently China-UK ties are in the period of sound development. Both sides have established the all-round strategic partnership. Bilateral trade grows rapidly and the exchange and cooperation in culture and education are very active. To further develop bilateral ties is not only in the interest of China and the UK, but also in the interest of the development of China-Europe ties.

Wu said that parliamentary exchanges are an important part of bilateral ties. China’s National People’s Congress (NPC) would like to further enhance relations with the Upper and Lower Houses of the UK Parliament so as to jointly push for the all-round development of bilateral ties.

Prescott said that the UK is pleased and satisfied with the sound development of UK-China ties and stands ready to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in economy, trade, science, technology, environmental protection, energy resources and education.

Both sides also exchanged views on international issues of common interest.