Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and his British counterpart Gordon Brown on Wednesday held a telephone conversation on bilateral ties and other issues of common concern.

Wen said China-Britain ties are currently developing smoothly, and the two sides have conducted close communication and coordination on tackling the global financial crisis and climate change, and have played positive and constructive roles in the international arena.

He said China is willing to keep high-level exchanges with Britain, strengthen bilateral cooperation, push forward bilateral ties, and make joint efforts with Britain to make a contribution to the world's sustainable development.

Brown said Britain attaches great importance to the development of its comprehensive strategic partnership with China, appreciates the Chinese government's firm resolution and vigorous measures adopted in handling of the global financial crisis, supports China's important role in tackling climate change, and hopes to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation with China in various fields.

The two leaders also exchanged views on other international issues of common concern.

(Xinhua News Agency July 1, 2009)