Foreign Minister embarks on three-day China visit

Human rights and Hong Kong are set to top the agenda of a three-day visit to China by Foreign Office Minister Bill Rammell starting today.

The trip follows the visit to the UK by the Chinese Premier in May and is part of a programme of high-level visits.

The Minister's programme includes meetings with the Chinese authorities in Chongqing in Western China and Beijing. Discussions will focus on bilateral and international issues including cultural and educational links, human rights, Hong Kong, commercial ties and illegal immigration.

Speaking today Mr Rammell said: "I am delighted to be in China again. I attach great importance to the regular exchanges I have with my Chinese contacts. My discussions during this visit will focus on following-up on the commitments agreed by the Prime Minister and Premier Wen in the Joint Statement in May.

"The relationship between the UK and China continues to develop in new areas. Formal negotiations have now been completed on an Approved Destination Status agreement with China to facilitate genuine tourism between our two countries. This is another example of our continued bilateral co-operation."

The UK/China Joint Statement agreed during Premier Wen's visit to UK in May committed Britain to bilateral co-operation in areas of, amongst other, science, technology, education, culture and environment.

(gmcg)