BEIJING -- China and Britain should better leverage their complementary advantages to expand and improve bilateral trade, Premier Li Qiang said when holding talks with visiting British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Beijing on Thursday.

Li said China and Britain's commitment to openness, cooperation and mutual benefit reflects the will of the people and serves the common interests of both sides.

China is willing to continue to move in the same direction with Britain, respect each other's core interests and major concerns, strengthen strategic communication, consolidate the foundation of mutual trust and deepen cooperation across all fields, said Li, adding that this will not only help the two countries jointly address risks arising from changes in the international landscape and advance common development, but also inject more positive energy into global peace and stability.

China is ready to work with the British side to improve the inter-governmental dialogue and cooperation mechanism, and conduct exchanges more frequently at all levels and in various fields, Li noted.

He called on both sides to enhance exchanges and alignment in areas such as financial regulation and financial market connectivity, and to deepen cooperation in emerging industries including artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, clean energy, the digital economy and modern shipping services.

The Chinese government is committed to providing a favorable environment for enterprises from all countries, including Britain, to invest in China, and also hopes that Britain will offer Chinese enterprises a fair, transparent and non-discriminatory business environment for investment in Britain, the premier said.

Li added that as permanent members of the United Nations (UN) Security Council, China and Britain should demonstrate the responsibility of major countries, strengthen multilateral communication and coordination, deepen cooperation on prominent issues of governance deficits, uphold the authority of the UN, safeguard multilateralism and free trade, and promote the development of the international order in a more just and equitable direction.

Noting Britain and China are permanent members of the UN Security Council and members of the Group of 20 (G20) economies, Starmer said that a long-term and consistent comprehensive strategic partnership is in the interests of both sides, and is in the interests of global economic growth and world prosperity.

Britain is willing to strengthen high-level and multi-field exchanges and dialogues with China, Starmer said, adding that the British side supports open and free trade, is willing to deepen exchanges and cooperation in trade, finance, investment, manufacturing, services, culture and other fields with China, and welcomes Chinese enterprises to carry out investment and cooperation in Britain.

Starmer expressed willingness to step up coordination with China in multilateral cooperation, in jointly addressing global challenges, and in developing bilateral relations to a new chapter.

Prior to the talks, Li hosted a welcoming ceremony for Starmer in the Great Hall of the People.

Following the talks, Li and Starmer witnessed the signing of multiple cooperation documents covering economy, trade, agriculture, food, media, education and market regulation.