British Prime Minister Theresa May is visiting China, and met with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday. Beijing says the China-UK "Golden Era" is on fast track to bearing fruit. China hopes the two countries can carry out more in-depth cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative. May said Britain and China can cooperate in this regard to boost global and regional economic growth. CGTN's Roee Ruttenberg has more.

China and the UK agreed to embrace a "Golden Era" of relations back in 2015, when Chinese President Xi Jinping visited London. Now, in Beijing, he and British Prime Minister Theresa May - known endearingly in China as "Auntie May" - are putting that commitment into motion.

The two leaders oversaw the signing of billions of dollars in deals this week. May hailed it "a first step" towards a bilateral trade deal that many see as crucial to a post-Brexit Britain.

For his part, Xi Jinping proposed ways to further promote relations -- including people-to-people exchanges - highlighted during May's visit to a tourism center. Also, increased joint-cooperation within global institutions, like the UN, the G20, and the WTO. May's talks with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang focused on trade.

LI KEQIANG CHINESE PREMIER "We have reached a consensus that as the world major economies, China and the United Kingdom should work together to maintain free trade. We are willing to make joint efforts to push forwards the globalization process."

May said Britain was willing to work with China to promote a global strategic partnership.

THERESA MAY BRITISH PRIME MINISTER "We are both countries with global outlook. And as the United Kingdom is leaving the European Union, we're going to be more outward looking and looking to enhance our relationships around the world. And this relationship with China is an important part of that."

LI KEQIANG CHINESE PREMIER "China-UK relations are going forward and will continue to do so for a very long time. Our relationship will not change with the progression of EU-UK relations."

The two sides have agreed to build a finance and technology park in Xiong'an New Area, part of an effort to help develop the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. A China-UK Innovation Industrial Park will also be built in East China's Shandong Province. On Friday, May will travel to Shanghai, where she'll conclude her China visit. Roee Ruttenberg, CGTN.