Chinese Premier, British PM begin talks

BEIJING, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao began talks with visiting British Prime Minister Gordon Brown here Friday morning at the Great Hall of the People, after a red-carpet welcome ceremony.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (R) shakes hands with visiting British Prime Minister Gordon Brown in Beijing, China, Jan. 18, 2008,during a ceremony in honor of Gordon Brown. (Xinhua Photo)

Diplomats said that Wen and Brown will discuss a so-called Sino-British "comprehensive strategic partnership," and issues concerning bilateral cooperation on trade and investment, education and academia, climate changes and environment as well as Olympics cooperation, and other regional and world issues.

After the talks, they will witness the signing of several bilateral cooperation documents, and meet press together. The two are also scheduled to jointly address a Sino-British business summit.