At a reception held to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year, British Prime Minister David Cameron expressed optimism that 2016 will be a far greater year for Britain-China relations, according to an article by China Daily.
The reception, which was held in Cameron's office, was attended by 100 representatives from China and Britain.
Aside from wishing his guests a happy Chinese new year, Cameron talked about the growing relations between China and Britain, and the optimistic outlook for the years to come.
"If you want one year of prosperity, grow grain. If you want ten years of prosperity, grow trees. If you want a thousand years of prosperity, grow relationships between people and people," Cameron quoted a Chinese proverb to refer to the strong relations between China and Britain, which underwent a "golden" year in 2015.
"That is exactly why we engage in the building of this great relationship between Britain and China," Cameron said.
Cameron also spoke highly of Chinese President Xi Jinping, who visited Britain last year. According to the British prime, Xi's visit not only helped strengthen British-Chinese ties, but also helped create and seal deals worth approximately 40 billion pounds ($57.7 billion).
Cameron also mentioned that Britain accounts for 30 percent of China's total investment in Europe. Conversely, Britain is China's second largest exporter in the continent.
"It is great when you think about how deep and strong the relationship is," Cameron said.
Aside from economic ties, Cameron also suggested that Britain and China should work hand in hand to further interests in other sectors, including trade, education, infrastructure and investment.
"I think education is an area we can take to an even higher level," Cameron said. "Many Chinese students are studying in Britain. I would like to see more British students take the opportunities to go and study in China. I think there is a huge opportunity in the years ahead."