国内英语新闻:Senior Chinese official calls for enhanced Sino-Britain relations

LONDON, Sept. 22 (Xinhua) -- A senior Chinese official has called for his country and Britain to enhance mutual political trust and strengthen pragmatic cooperation to further promote bilateral relations.

Du Qinglin, vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, China's top political advisory body, made the remarks when attending the ninth China-Britain Leadership Forum held on Wednesday and Thursday.

The official hailed the forum as an important platform where parties and statesmen of the two countries could have in-depth communication and learn from each other.

The relations between China and Britain were now at a critical moment in history, Du said.

He noted that he expected the two sides to strengthen their political mutual trust, promote pragmatic cooperation, and enrich the connotation of the China-Britain Global Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in the 21st century through frank and in-depth dialogue.

Du added that the Communist Party of China was willing to engage in exchanges with the major British political parties in the parliament and learn from each other so as to promote bilateral relations.

Chinese and British leaders recently reaffirmed that Sino-British relations were in a "golden era."

The forum meets annually and alternates between the two countries. It aims to discuss, debate and establish respective positions on key issues both on a bilateral and international basis and build lasting relationships between statesmen in both countries. It also aims to contribute to the strengthening of the strategic relationship between China and Britain.