During his meeting with British Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott and members of the China task force, Wen said, cooperation between the two countries in trade and investment, finance, science and technology, education and culture, environmental protection and sustainable development, health and the Olympics have been progressing smoothly.

The premier also commended the efforts of the task forces set up by either side some three years ago, saying they have made important contributions to bilateral relations, particularly to the further development of bilateral ties.

Prescott was impressed by the effective British-Chinese cooperation, and called for more in extended areas.

He said, energy security and climate change are challenges facing the international society and one of the solutions is to ensure sustainable urban development. Britain wishes to enhance cooperation in this aspect with China.

The Chinese Premier said China is very positive towards the cooperation between universities of two countries as well as promoting collaboration on sustainable development put forward by the British side.

In his view, the two sides should tap further the potentials for new bilateral cooperation and extend dialogues on climate change, energy security, sustainable development and environmental protection to bring about more fruitful results.