China, Britain lift ties to 'global' level

President Xi Jinping (L) and British Prime Minister David Cameron meet media after their talks at 10 Downing Street in London, Britain, Oct. 21, 2015. [Photo/Xinhua]

LONDON - China and Britain agreed Wednesday to raise their ties to a "global comprehensive strategic partnership" in the 21st century.

The two countries will open up a golden era of enduring, inclusive and win-win relationship and jointly create a brighter future for bilateral relations, visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping told a joint news conference with British Prime Minister David Cameron after their talks.

China and Britain are both major countries with significant influence, and now their partnership is standing at a new starting point, the president said, urging the two countries to seize opportunities to promote their ties.

The two leaders achieved important consensus on bilateral relations as well as international and regional hotspot issues, according to a statement issued after the Xi-Cameron meeting at 10 Downing Street.

It is the right time for the two sides to deepen their bilateral relationship and mutually beneficial cooperation as their "comprehensive strategic partnership" is embracing the second decade, Xi said during the meeting.

Britain has pledged to be China's best friend in the West and the most open partner of the world's second largest economy.

Xi said China appreciates Britain's stance and is willing to make joint efforts to ensure the bilateral relations remain enduring and stable on a higher level.

The two countries should respect each other's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity as well the development path, and treat each other with an open and inclusive mind, the president said.