Minister Han spoke highly of the China-UK agricultural cooperation.

He pointed out that the bilateral agricultural cooperation has a long history, solid foundation and wide range; both countries have their own advantages in agricultural development.

He indicated that China would like to further promote the cooperation on the basis of equality, mutual benefit and common development.

He suggested that Ministry of Agriculture and DEFRA set up working mechanisms such as a Joint Committee on Cooperation in Agriculture at an early date, in a bid to strengthen the exchange and cooperation between the agricultural authorities of the two countries and constantly deepen the bilateral cooperation in the field of agriculture.

Mrs Truss agreed with Minister Han.

She said that UK is ready to enhance the cooperation with China on quality and safety of food and agricultural products, improvement of agricultural productivity, agricultural environmental protection, and the expansion of trade in agricultural products and food, to promote the agricultural development of both sides.

After the meeting, on behalf of MOA and DEFRA respectively, Minister Han and Secretary of State Truss signed the Memorandum of Understanding on Strengthening Agricultural Cooperation which marks a new stage of the agricultural cooperation between China and UK.

Bi Meijia, chief-economist of MOA, and other senior officials also attended the meeting.