Foreign Secretary marks fifth anniversary of UK-China Leadership Forum
Foreign Secretary William Hague has addressed current members of the UK-China Leadership Forum in London, as the group celebrates its fifth year.
Foreign Secretary William Hague has addressed current members of the UK-China Leadership Forum in London, as the group celebrates its fifth year.
Originally established to build lasting international relationships, the Forum brings together members of a range of UK political parties, and China’s Communist Party, to discuss and debate current political issues that affect each country.
The Foreign Secretary said:
“We believe a strong relationship between China and the UK will benefit both nations, and I am encouraged by the amount we have achieved in the past year, as well as the level of our ambition for the future.
“The links and friendships we are building through this unique initiative bring immense value to our relationship; helping us to understand one another better and to create a respectful, frank and open political dialogue between our countries.”
The Forum meets annually and alternately in the UK and China. It aims to:
- discuss, debate and establish respective positions on key issues both on a bilateral and international basis;
- build lasting relationships between politicians in both countries;
- contribute to the strengthening of the strategic relationship between UK and China
This year’s key theme is ‘Partners for Growth’, and past discussions have ranged from business and trade to poverty, climate change and human rights.