Visiting President Hu Jintao and British Prime Minister Tony Blair Wednesday pledged to boost all-around co-operation to push forward the China-UK comprehensive strategic partnership.

The two leaders highlighted the need to strengthen mutual understanding during their talks on a wide range issues covering trade, global security and climate change.

They met at No 10 Downing Street on the second day of Hu's three-day visit to London, the first stop in a three-nation European tour which also includes Germany and Spain.

Hu last visited Britain in 2001 as vice-president.

The two sides signed a series of agreements worth US$1.3 billion during Wednesday's meeting to boost booming economic relations.

In one of the deals, China agreed to open its market to Lloyds of London, the world's biggest insurance underwriting firm.

Representatives of Rolls-Royce signed an US$800 million deal with Air China bosses, while China Aviation Industry Corporation 1 (AVIC-1) signed a US$500 million deal with Airbus.

Consultancy firm Arup was also contracted to develop a master-plan for three new cities by Shanghai Industrial Investment Corporation.

Britain is China's third-largest trading partner and top investor in the European Union, with bilateral trade reaching US$19.7 billion last year.

Before his talks with Blair, Hu met Britain's Speaker of the House of Commons Michael Martin and Lord Falconer, speaker of the House of Lords, in the Robing Room of the Houses of Parliament.

The president noted that exchanges and contacts between the parliaments of the two countries constitute an important part of the Sino-British comprehensive strategic partnership.

Falconer and Martin expressed their support for stronger ties with China and closer links with the Chinese legislature.

At Buckingham Palace on Tuesday night, Hu said in a speech that China and Britain share important historical responsibilities and broad common interests in safeguarding world peace and promoting common development.

The Chinese leader said his country was working hard to build a more prosperous society, "featuring a more developed economy, improved democracy, advanced science and education, a more prosperous culture, greater social harmony and higher living standards for the entire 1.3 billion people."

China's development would offer opportunities for "win-win co-operation" with Britain and other countries, he added.

In her remarks, Queen Elizabeth II said it was crucial for Britain and China to work together as the latter's rapid growth has brought about challenges as well as great opportunities.

"It matters to all of us what kind of country China's people will build, and what role they will play in the world of the 21st Century and how this will be perceived by others," she said.

The giant London Eye Ferris wheel and Somerset House in central London were among several landmarks that were lit up with red lights on Tuesday to celebrate Hu's visit and a Chinese art exhibition at the Royal Academy.

Source: China Daily