On October 23 local time, President Xi Jinping attended a welcome banquet held by municipal government of Manchester.

When Xi Jinping and his wife Mme. Peng Liyuan arrived at Manchester City Council, they were warmly greeted by Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester Warren Smith, Prime Minister David Cameron, Lord Mayor Paul Murphy of Manchester and other officials.

After the beginning of the banquet, Paul Murphy first made a speech to extend a warm welcome to President Xi Jinping for his visit to Manchester.

Xi Jinping pointed out in his speech that in the past few days he exchanged in-depth views with Queen Elizabeth II, Prime Minister David Cameron, members of the British Parliament and political parties, and people from sectors of business, education and culture, and a broad consensus was reached on enhancing China-UK relations and cooperation in various fields. He believed that the China-UK comprehensive strategic partnership would accelerate along the new road built by the two sides.

Xi Jinping stressed that more than two hundred years ago, Manchester, as the birth place of the Industrial Revolution, witnessed the great changes of human society. Two hundred years later, Manchester is making an amazing turnaround and developing into a dynamic and vibrant modern city. At present, China-UK relations are at a new historical starting point, and the friendly and mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries and between China and Manchester is facing new important opportunities. He hoped that Manchester would actively act as the pacemaker of China-UK relations and pilot of China-UK cooperation. He believed that the exchanges and cooperation between China and Manchester would surely enjoy a brighter future.

David Cameron said in his speech that the UK and China are two important members of the international community. The two countries enjoy a traditional friendship and great potential of cooperation. During the visit of President Xi Jinping, both sides have unanimously decided to establish global comprehensive strategic partnership for the 21st century, which serves the common interests of the two countries. He reaffirmed that the UK would like to be the best partner of China among Western countries.

In a warm and friendly atmosphere, the welcome banquet ended with the national anthems of China and the UK.

Wang Huning, Li Zhanshu,Yang Jiechi and others also attended the welcome banquet.