Your visit to the United Kingdom marks a milestone in this unprecedented year of cooperation and friendship between the United Kingdom and China, as we celebrate the ties between our two countries and prepare to take them to ambitious new heights.

Mr. President, the relationship between the United Kingdom and China is now truly a global partnership. We have much reason to celebrate the dynamic, growing economic relationship between our countries as well as our success in working together to address pressing international challenges.

Today the world faces challenges, which call for collaboration between the nations; conflict and terrorism; poverty and ill-health; conservation and climate change. As permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, Britain and China arestewards of the rules-based international system, and we have a responsibility to cooperate on these issues which have a direct bearing on the security and prosperity of all our peoples.

This global partnership is supported by an expanding network of links between the people of our two countries, which are essential in building mutual understanding and friendship, while we welcome the increasing numbers of Chinese tourist, students and business visitors to the United Kingdom.

Mr. President, your visit is a defining moment in this very special year for our bilateral relationship. I am confident that it will serve to highlight the sincerity and warmth of our friendship to strengthen relations between our countries for many years to come.

Vocabulary:

Unprecedented, pressing, conservation, steward, rule-based, bearing