On November 8, 2005, Chinese President Hu Jintao arrived in the capital city of the United Kingdom, London, for a state visit to the country at the invitation of Queen Elizabeth II.

At 11:20 a.m. local time, the special plane that carried Hu landed on Heathrow airport in London where Hu and his wife Liu Yongqing were warmly welcomed by the representatives of the Queen, Princess Anne and her husband Commodore Tim Laurence.

Hu delivered a written speech at the airport, noting that both China and the UK enjoy a long history and a glorious culture and that the exchanges between the two peoples could be dated back a long time ago. In recent tears, China-UK relations have developed with a good momentum and bilateral cooperation in various fields has been very productive. To further develop China-UK comprehensive strategic partnership conforms to the fundamental interests of both countries and peoples.

Hu said he expected to meet with leaders of the UK to exchange in-depth views with them on China-UK relations as well as important current international and regional issues. He will also meet with people from different communities as well. With this visit, he hoped to enhance the mutual understanding and friendship between the two countries and peoples, promote bilateral cooperation in various fields and continuously push forward China-UK comprehensive strategic partnership.

Upon his arrival, Hu went to the Royal Cavalry Inspection Court to attend the welcoming ceremony hosted by Queen Elizabeth II. The warm and solemn welcoming ceremony was started by 21 salutes. President Hu and his wife as well as Queen Elizabeth II and her husband mounted to the inspection platform and The musical band played the Chinese anthem. Accompanied by Queen Elizabeth's husband Prince Philip, Hu inspected the guards of honor. Following the ceremony, President Hu and his wife took the traditional carriage to Buckingham Palace with Queen Elizabeth II and her husband.

Hu attended a luncheon hosted by the Queen later in the afternoon.

State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan and other officials arrived by the same plane and attended related activities.

Chinese Ambassador to the UK Zha Peixin and other staffs in the embassy also went to the airport to meet President Hu and his delegation.

The UK is the first leg of President Hu's current tour which will also take him to Germany, Spain and the Republic of Korea where he will attend the 13th APEC Leaders Informal Meeting in Pusan.