体坛英语新闻：Olympics strengthens UK links with China: minister

BEIJING, Sept.15 (Xinhua)-- A senior British official said Wednesday that London 2012 Olympic games provided more opportunities for bilateral relations between the United Kingdom and China.

Minister of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Jeremy Browne told at a press conference at the British Embassy in Beijing the British government wanted closer ties between the two countries.

He said Britain saw huge value in enhancing bilateral partnerships both in government and sports.

As the minister in charge of the London 2012 Olympic Games, he said Britain wanted to "build on the experiences of the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008."

Browne said Britain had much expertise in urban planning which could contribute to China's growing prosperity.

He said British Prime Minister David Cameron would visit China this year. In July, Foreign Secretary William Hague visited Beijing and attended the China-UK Strategic Dialogue.

It is his first trip to China since he took office in May. His five-day visit took him to Shanghai, Ningbo and Beijing. He also visited 2010 Shanghai World Expo and the Beijing National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest.