British Minister confirms commitment to engaging with China’s regional cities
Today (6 January), British Foreign Office Minister of State Hugo Swire begins an official visit to China, where he will visit Beijing and Wuhan.
British Foreign Office Minister of State Hugo Swire
The highlight of the trip will be a ceremony in Wuhan, where Minister Swire will welcome the plans to open a new British Consulate.
This is Minister Swire’s third visit to China. On his previous visit in May 2014, Minister Swire visited Xi’an to demonstrate the UK’s engagement with China’s rapidly–developing interior cities.
In Beijing, Minister Swire will meet Mr Wang Yi and Mr Wang Chao from Ministry of Foreign Affairs to discuss UK-China bilateral relations and foreign policy issues.
Minister Swire will later fly to Wuhan, where he will host a reception to welcome the launch of the new British Consulate and will be joined by Vice Governor of Hubei Province, Gan Rongkun. Minister Swire will also visit the Wuhan Planning Bureau to discuss the plans for the city’s development and to explore opportunities to share UK expertise in sustainable urbanisation. He will also meet the Vice Mayor of Wuhan, Shao Weimin, to discuss potential opportunities for collaboration between the UK and Wuhan.
Minister Swire said:
I’m delighted to return to China for this important visit. The opening of a new Consulate in Wuhan is a key milestone in the relationship between our two countries. This shows the UK’s continued commitment to developing a long-term and mutually-beneficial relationship with China, especially with its dynamic regional cities. The UK is a natural partner for China as it advances along the current path of economic and social reform.