London, August 9 (Xinhua) — Chinese Ambassador to the UK Zheng Zeguang met with Scottish First Minister John Swinney in Edinburgh a few days ago. The two sides had an in-depth exchange of views on strengthening exchanges and cooperation between China and Scotland in various fields.

Zheng Zeguang said that Scotland has a unique historical and cultural tradition, a well-developed science, technology and education sector, and prominent economic strengths. Over the years, Scotland has maintained close exchanges and cooperation with China, bringing enormous benefits to the peoples of both sides. China has a complete industrial system, a huge market scale and tremendous growth potential. A new round of comprehensive deepening of reform will further unleash social vitality and development momentum, accelerate high-quality development, and bring new opportunities to countries around the world, including the UK. China supports its provinces and cities in expanding friendly exchanges with Scotland, broadening mutually beneficial cooperation, creating more cooperation highlights, and better benefiting the peoples of both sides.

Swinney welcomed Zheng Zeguang's visit to Scotland. He said that Scotland attaches great importance to long-term friendly cooperation with China. China's development achievements have attracted worldwide attention. China is Scotland's largest source of imports and an important export market. The Scottish side is willing to strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation with Chinese provinces and cities in areas such as economy and trade, education, culture, tourism, as well as new energy, healthcare, and infrastructure construction. Scotland welcomes more Chinese entrepreneurs, students and tourists to invest and start businesses, study and sightsee in Scotland.

Chinese Consul General in Edinburgh Zhang Biao, Minister-Counselor Kong Xiangwen of the Chinese Embassy in the UK, Fang Wenjian, General Manager of the Bank of China London Branch and Chairman of the China Chamber of Commerce in the UK, and Chen Xiaomeng, Chief Executive Officer of Redstone New Energy, attended the meeting.