President Xi Jinping on Tuesday said China and Britain are comprehensive strategic partners and share more common interests than differences in a phone conversation with UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham.

Xi urged the two countries to respect and trust each other, seek common ground and expand mutually beneficial cooperation, according to Xinhua News Agency.

The president also called on the UK to fully protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese investors.

Pointing out that China and Britain are both major countries in science and technology with rich resources in education, culture, sports and other fields, Xi called on the two sides to maintain an open and forward-looking mentality and strengthen exchanges and cooperation in various fields.

He added that the two countries should strengthen communication and coordination within frameworks such as the United Nations, the Group of 20 and the World Trade Organization, and promote an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalisation.

A readout from Burnham's ⁠office said they discussed the "importance ⁠of pragmatic cooperation", including on economic growth and raising living standards for people in both their countries.

“The prime minister ⁠said that he would engage ‌frankly and constructively on issues that matter for both countries, and raised domestic security, Russia's war in Ukraine, ‌Hong Kong, human rights and consular cases of particular importance," a Downing Street spokesperson said.

It was the first publicised conversation between the two leaders since Burnham took office in July. (Xinhua and agencies)


Edited by Edmond Fong