Beijing, December 2nd—A video conference for political parties of China and the UK was held here today. Song Tao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, attended the conference and delivered a keynote speech. Amanda Milling, Minister of State at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, David Lidington, former Minister of State and Vice President of Great Britain China Centre, representatives of the Conservative Party, the Labour Party, think tanks and business circle of the UK were present.

Song said that maintaining exchanges and dialogue between Chinese and British political parties is of great significance for both countries to enhance mutual understanding and trust, and promote bilateral cooperation in various fields. President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Boris Johnson recently reached an important consensus in their phone conversation, charting the course for the future development of China-UK relations. Political parties and politicians of both countries should earnestly implement the consensus, step up strategic communication, support and contribute to China-UK friendship and cooperation, and push bilateral relations for steady and long-term development on the right track.

Song mainly introduced the spirit of the sixth plenary session of 19th CPC Central Committee, and said the session systematically summarized the major achievements and historical experience of the CPC over the past 100 years, especially the historical achievements and transformation made by the CPC under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at the core since the 18th CPC National Congress. He stressed that the establishment of Comrade Xi Jinping’s core position on the Party Central Committee and in the Party as a whole and defined the guiding role of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era is of decisive significance. The CPC will continue to keep the well-being of the world in mind, enhance exchanges with political parties around the world including the Conservative Party and the Labour Party of the UK to better safeguard the common interests of all countries.

Participants from the British side said that the UK and China share broad common interests and the British side attaches great importance to its relations with China. The British side is willing to deepen cooperation with China in fields including fighting against COVID-19, tackling climate change, trade, science, technology and innovation via channels like the dialogue between political parties to push for greater development of UK-China relations.

Relevant officials from CPC Central Committee Policy Research Office, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, National Development and Reform Commission, Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Ecology and Environment and the Chinese Embassy in the UK were present.

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