Secretary Guo Jinlong,

Deputy Mayor Roger Evans,

Lord Mayor of Westminster,

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Welcome to the "Night of Beijing" Concert.

It is a great pleasure to have you all with us on this beautiful midsummer night to enjoy delightful music.

My warmest of appreciation goes to Secretary Guo Jinlong. He has come to London all the way from China. I want to thank him and the City of Beijing for tonight's musical feast!

Beijing and London are both megacities.

As national capitals, Beijing and London are both world famous international cities.

But, they differ in many ways:

· Beijing represents the East.

· London represents the West.

· They are on opposite ends of the Eurasian continent.

Yet, Beijing and London have many things in common:

· Both have thousands of years of history.

· Both are modern leading global metropolis.

· Both are economic and financial centres.

· Both are cultural and art capitals.

· And both have hosted the Olympics.

Indeed, I can list many more things that have joined Beijing and London together.

Beijing and London are sister cities.

Their relations are an outstanding example of China-UK trade, investment and financial cooperation

But it is not all about business – take culture and sport:

· Both cities have staged exceptional exhibitions in each other's museums.

· In Beijing back in 2008 Olympics, Team GB was one of the "fabulous four" of the medal count.

· In London three years ago, China's Olympic dream team proudly ranked second.

Today, Beijing is determined to continue the Olympic glory, vigorously bidding for 2022 Winter Games. You may have seen and felt from the pre-concert exhibition Beijing's strength, sincerity and enthusiasm.

Ladies and Gentlemen:

A "golden age" is about to begin for China-UK relations.

· At the invitation of Her Majesty The Queen, China's President Xi Jinping will pay a state visit to the UK in October.

· China-UK political exchanges and mutual trust is scaling new heights.

· China-UK trade and economic cooperation is making advances.

· And the China-UK people-to-people and cultural exchange is entering a new phase.

This is indeed a historic time in the relations between our nations.

This is an age of immense opportunities.

At this opportune moment, we are delighted to welcome Secretary Guo Jinlong and his delegation to visit the UK.

We much appreciate the "Night of Beijing" Concert they have brought to us. They have come to further enhance understanding, deepen friendship and strengthen cooperation with London.

I wish, and I am confident, that when Beijing and London join hands, they will present an even more spectacluar symphony of win-win cooperation.

In conclusion, I wish you all a most pleasant evening!

Thank you!