On December 5, 2011, Vice Premier Li Keqiang met with Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond in Ziguangge, Zhongnanhai.

Li said China-Britain relations enjoy a sound growth momentum in general, with frequent high-level exchanges and deepening contacts and pragmatic cooperation in all areas. The vice premier also spoke highly of the development of China-Scotland relations, saying their increasing trade cooperation, cultural exchanges and people-to-people contacts brought substantial benefits for the two peoples. "Britain is an important strategic partner of China. We hope the two sides will join hands to turn cooperation prospects into reciprocal achievements," Li said.

Li pointed out that currently the world economy remains sluggish, the European sovereign debt crisis is still unfolding and the world economic situation is severe and complicated. "The European Union is the world's biggest economy of developed countries, and we believe the EU has the wisdom and ability to overcome the debt crisis and support its measures to tackle the crisis," Li said. He added that China hopes all sides will work together and implement all the measures to ease the crisis, resolve issues in accordance with economic development rules and promote financial stability and a gradual recovery of the economy.

Salmond said he was glad the two giant pandas from China had arrived in Edinburgh. Scotland attaches high importance to relations with China and will make further contributions to sound development of bilateral ties.

President of the Chinese People's Association of Friendship with Foreign Countries Li Xiaolin was present at the meeting.

Salmond was invited by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries.