President Xi has thanked the British people for their contributions to closer China-UK relations. He made the remarks in a meeting with what he called 'British friends,' including former Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

Chinese President Xi Jinping (L, front) meets with British friends including former Prime Minister Gordon Brown in London, Britain, Oct. 22, 2015. [Xinhua]?

The president said cooperation between the two countries has grown steadily over the past decade, and he hoped to see the ties further strengthened. President Xi said he hopes to achieve that goal in the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, which seeks to reinforce economic and maritime links between Asia and Europe. He said China is committed to working with the UK to build a global comprehensive strategic partnership for the 21st Century. He also stressed that China adheres to peaceful development, and advocates equality and friendly cooperation among all countries as a means to achieve further prosperity.