Chinese President Xi Jinping will begin his five-day trip to the United Kingdom at the invitation of Queen Elizabeth on Monday 19th October.
The state visit will be the first by a Chinese president in a decade.
The Chinese President in a written interview with Reuters he says he looks forward to having discussions with British leaders and engaging the British public on China-UK bilateral ties. He hopes the two countries could jointly usher in a “golden time” for the comprehensive strategic partnership.
President Xi said this year marks the beginning of the second decade of the China-UK comprehensive strategic partnership and the 40th anniversary of China-EU diplomatic ties. Since the UK is an important member of the EU, China-UK relationship and China-EU relationship reinforce each other. He believes new progress in the China-UK relationship will inject new momentum into the growth of the China-EU relationship across the board, and make new contributions to the building of China-EU partnership as a whole.
Xi Jinping will arrive at London Heathrow Airport Monday evening local time. And on Tuesday, he will attend activities hosted by Queen Elizabeth II, including a welcome ceremony, inspection of a horse guards’ parade and a State Banquet at Buckingham Palace. The President is also scheduled to address the parliament, detailing China’s domestic and foreign policies.
The next day, Xi Jinping will meet British Prime Minister David Cameron. And together, they will attend a China-UK Business Summit, focusing on bilateral cooperation on investment, infrastructure and innovation. On Thursday, the president will visit Inmarsat, a satellite telecommunications company.
Xi Jinping will spend the last day of his trip in Manchester in England’s north-west. He is scheduled to visit the City Football Group, which oversees the administration of clubs and other footballing operations. Deal signings on rail projects, nuclear energy and finance are expected during the visit.
State Visit Programme
Monday October 19
Arrive at London’s Heathrow Airport
Tuesday October 20
Attend welcome ceremony
Inspect horse guards’ parade
Speak at State Banquet
Address parliament
Wednesday October 21
Meet British PM Cameron
Attend China-UK business summit
Visit Huawei Technologies
Attend a Banquet by the Lord Mayor & City of London Corporation
Thursday October 22
Formally bid farewell to the Queen and The Duke of Edinburg at Buckingham Palace
Visit Inmarsat
Join a Confucius Institute Conference hosted by UCL Institute of Education
Join Prime Minister, Rt Hon David Cameron at Chequers Court for talks and dinner
Fly to Manchester
Friday October 23
Visit National Graphene Institute at the University of Manchester
Visit City Football Group joined by Prime Minister Rt Hon David Cameron
Joined by Prime Minister for lunch at Manchester Hall hosted by the Lord Mayor of the City of Manchester
Attend an event at Manchester Airport
The Lord Chamberlain will bid farewell to President Xi & Madame Peng
Their Excellencies depart from Manchester Airport
STATE VISIT ENDS.
