Chinese Vice-President Zeng Qinghong (R) shakes hands with British Princess Anne during their meeting in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 20, 2005. (Xinhua Photo)

BEIJING, Sept. 20 (Xinhuanet) -- Chinese Vice-President Zeng Qinghong met with visiting British Princess Anne here Tuesday, calling for the two sides to make further efforts to push forward China-UK relations.

    Zeng expressed his appreciation of the contributions made by the British royal family, saying the princess's China visit will further improve the bilateral friendly exchanges and cooperation.

    China and the United Kingdom witnessed good momentum of growth in bilateral relations in recent years and progress has been scored in various fields of cooperation, the Chinese vice president said, noting that China and the UK will host the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games respectively, which offers opportunities for the two sides to consolidate cooperation.

    "I hope the Beijing and London Olympic Games will become two ofthe most wonderful sports events with their own characteristics", Zeng said.

    Princess Anne, who is also a member of the International Olympic Committee, agreed with Zeng's views on the current UK-China relations, expressing her belief that the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008 will be a successful one and the UK is willing to strengthen exchanges of experience and cooperation in concerned fields.

    The two sides also exchanged views on issues of children protection, education and social welfare.

    Princess Anne arrived in China on Tuesday, kicking off her first China visit from Sept. 20 -24, at the invitation of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Enditem

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