China, Britain vow AIIB cooperation, visa facilitation

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (R) meets with British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond in Beijing of China, Jan 5, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]

BEIJING - Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his British counterpart Philip Hammond met in Beijing Tuesday, vowing more cooperation between their countries in industry, finance and culture.

They also said they will work together on visa facilitation, according to a press release issued after the meeting.

It said China is looking forward to British Prime Minister David Cameron attending the G20 summit in China's Hangzhou this autumn, and will welcome him to visit China at a mutually convenient time to hold the bilateral annual prime ministerial meeting.

The two countries should make full use of high-level dialogue to map out partnerships in culture, finance and security, the release said.

Wang and Hammond agreed they should integrate their development strategies, notably China's Belt and Road Initiative and Britain's plan to upgrade its infrastructure, as well as their plans to revitalize manufacturing.

Wang said China was ready to cooperate more in nuclear power, high-speed rail, as well as under the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), which will start operating in mid-January.

According to the press release, China and Britain will increase exchanges in culture, education, sports and healthcare.

At a joint press briefing after their talks, the two foreign ministers announced new steps to relax visa rules.

The two countries will reciprocally issue multiple-entry visas for up to two years to each other's citizens and China hopes that Britain will increase the validity of visas to 10 years to Chinese citizens "at a proper time."

The two sides also vowed to conduct closer communication within international organizations such as the United Nations.

Wang said China appreciated Britain working to speed up negotiation on a China-EU investment agreement and to start feasibility research of a China-EU free trade area as early as possible.

He also expressed hope that Britain could push the EU to fulfill its obligations concerning determining the price comparability of subsidies and dumping, which came in the terms of China's ascension to the World Trade Organization.

Hammond said Britain was excited to strengthen cooperation with China in infrastructure, nuclear power and finance, and he pledged that Britain will play an active role in the AIIB.

He vowed to enhance cooperation with China in international affairs.

Hammond's official China visit will last from Tuesday to Wednesday.