BEIJING — Vice-Premier Liu Yandong met with British Princess Anne in Beijing on July 4, saying that China expects further cooperation and exchanges with the United Kingdom.

China appreciates the special and significant role the British Royal Family has played in enhancing the two countries’ wide-ranging cooperation and people-to-people exchanges, Liu said.

Noting that this year marks the 45th anniversary of China-UK diplomatic relations, Liu called on both sides to strengthen political mutual trust and deepen pragmatic cooperation to improve the two countries’ global comprehensive strategic partnership for the 21st century.

Princess Anne expressed the Royal Family’s willingness to advance cooperation in areas such as sports and children protection to promote friendship and mutual understanding among the people.