Premier Li Keqiang and UK Prime Minister David Cameron have spoken at a joint news conference in London on June 17, 2014. The two leaders agreed on more trade cooperation and efforts toward security issues. They also stressed the importance of encouraging people-to-people exchanges between the two nations.

Cameron said the UK should attach itself to fast growing nations like China, adding that the UK welcomes more Chinese investment.

Li said bilateral cooperation has held great importance not just to the two countries but also to the world.

“Both sides believe that as UN Security Council permanent members and major world economies, the two nations share extensive common interests. China-UK cooperation is not only important for both nations, but also has global significance. Given the potential for bilateral cooperation, we should and we can grow faster through this partnership,” Li said.

“The UK recognises that the rise of China is one of the defining events of our century. We welcome the fact that China’s economic growth is lifting billions out of poverty. And as Premier Li noted yesterday, that as China grows in economic power, so that brings greater responsibilities on the world stage. As fellow members of the UN Security Council, we both have responsibilities for upholding international peace and security and the rule of law,” Cameron said.