On December 5, 2011, Vice Premier Li Keqiang met with Scotland’s First Minister Alex Salmond at the Ziguangge of Zhongnanhai Compound.

Li Keqiang said that China-UK relations have kept a good momentum of development, there have been constant high-level visits between the two countries, and the exchanges and pragmatic cooperation in various respects have been further deepened. Positive progress has also been made in the relations between China and Scotland in recent years, and the constantly intensifying economic and trade cooperation, cultural exchanges and people-to-people contacts have brought tangible benefits to the people on both sides. China regards the UK as an important strategic partner. He hoped that the two sides may make joint efforts to turn cooperation potentials into win-win results.

Li Keqiang pointed out that, currently, the world economic downturn continues, the European sovereign debt crises are still evolving, and we are facing a serious and complex situation. The European Union is the world's biggest economy of developed countries, and we believe the EU has the wisdom and ability to overcome the debt crisis, put relief measures into effect through unity and cooperation and solve the problems by observing the law on economic development. China supports the EU’s measures to tackle the crisis and promote financial stability and gradual economic recovery.

Mr. Salmond was very delighted that the two giant pandas have arrived in Edinburgh, and stressed that Scotland attaches high importance to relations with China and will make further contributions for the sound development of bilateral ties.

President Li Xiaolin of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries was present at the meeting.

Mr. Salmond is visiting China at the invitation of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries.