LONDON: British Prime Minister Tony Blair on Sunday met with Cai Wu, minister of the State Council Information Office.

During the Downing Street meeting Blair said he hoped the minister's visit to the UK would enhance understanding between the two peoples, and give Sino-British relations a boost.

Since Beijing and London are the next two hosts of the Olympic Games, media exchanges between China and the UK are likely to play a very important role in ensuring the Games' success, said Blair.

He also pointed out that maintaining constructive relations between the two nations was increasingly important, due to China's growing role in international and regional issues, such as climate change, counter-terrorism and the nuclear issue of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

Cai spoke glowingly of the present development of relations between China and the UK, but added that there was still much room for improving media exchanges.

Strengthening media exchanges is very important for mutual understanding between Chinese and British people, he said.

Hong Kong anniversary

Blair noted that this year is the 10th anniversary of China's resumption of sovereignty over Hong Kong, and said the best celebration would be to ensure stability and prosperity was maintained in the special administrative region.

The prime minister also praised the success of Premier Wen Jiabao's "ice-thawing" visit to Japan on April 11-13.

Cai, accompanied by a delegation from China's major media organizations, is visiting London for a series of cultural and media exchange events.

Aside from meeting Blair the group will also attend the Sino-British Media Forum.

Source: China Daily - Xinhua