London, November 8, 2005

On the evening of November 8, 2005, Queen Elizabeth II held a grand banquet at Buckingham Palace to warmly welcome President Hu Jintao and his wife Liu Yongqing, who were on a state visit to the UK.

In her welcoming speech, Elizabeth II noted that since the establishment of their diplomatic ties, the UK and China have witnessed steady development of bilateral relations with close personnel exchanges and vigorous trade and investment between both sides, cultural and sports contact has shown vigor and vitality and scientific and technological cooperation has reached a new level. She emphasized that China's development has attracted world attention and admiration. The UK welcomes the opportunities brought about by China's reform and opening-up that is aimed at developing market economy. President Hu's visit reflects the great importance both sides attach to developing bilateral relations. Such relations enjoy huge potential and offer rich opportunities and to strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation will surely benefit the two peoples.