Scotland strengthens links with China: top Scottish legislator

The links between Scotland and the Chinese side are going from strength to strength in parliamentary, economic, cultural, and educational sectors, said a top Scottish legislator Wednesday evening.

Addressing the reception to celebrate the 67th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China at the Chinese Consulate-General in Edinburgh, Scottish Parliament's Presiding Officer Ken Macintosh reviewed the exchange of visits of top-level officials from both sides, the Chinese language mania in Scotland, the Chinese students studying in Scotland, as well as people-to-people exchanges.

Macintosh hailed the contribution of Chinese culture to the Edinburgh festivals, the five Confucius institutes in Scotland, and the contribution of the Chinese community in Scotland to the local society.

For his part, Alasdair Allan, Scottish Minister for International Development and Europe, highlighted the progress and achievements of the Chinese language learning at Scottish schools and the strengthened links of both sides, pledging that Scotland is still open to businesses and culture even after Britain voted to exit the European Union in a referendum in June.

Pan Xinchun, Chinese Consul General in Edinburgh, briefed over 100 participants about the diplomatic, economic, social and scientific achievements China has made recently, and the highlights of cooperations and collaborations between the two sides. Endit