William Hague:Britain Should Do Far More to Engage with Emerging Economies

British Foreign Secretary William Hague has said the UK needs to do more to engage with the emerging economies including China. He also reaffirmed that Britain will play an active role in Europe, though more financial support to the Euro zone from Britain's coffers is off the table. CRI's London correspondent Tu Yun reports.

Reporter:

It's the first time William Hague has spoken to foreign journalists since becoming Britain's Foreign Secretary. He says the new coalition government faces challenges in foreign policies due to stringent economic situation.

"A firm commitment to NATO's engagement in Afghanistan, which is our most immediate priority. Our top priority in foreign affairs are along with relations with Pakistan."

While noting the UK is committed to a strong but not slavish trans-Atlantic relationship with the US, Hague highlights more needs to be done in promoting UK relations with the emerging world.

"We think Britain should do far more to engage with the emerging economies of the world and to build up relations with the Gulf and the Middle East, with Brazil, with Japan, with India, with China. There should be a long-term national effort that doesn't just involve trade links, but also increased cooperation in education, in culture, in civil society."

Hague promised an active British role in Europe on issues including climate change, energy security, and boosting Europe for growth.

But he stressed it's difficult for Britain to help bail out the euro zone further than the already 8 billion pounds pledged by the previous Labor government.

"Remember we're inheriting the biggest budget deficit ever here in this country. Bringing that down in the UK is a central task, so we're not in a position to be—to a greater extent—underwriting other nations. But we will listen to other proposals in a flexible way, but it depends on what those proposals are."

Earlier, the British government revealed, for the first time, the size of its nuclear arsenal as no more than 225. Hague says the move makes a strong contribution to the nuclear non-proliferation treaty review conference in New York.

The foreign secretary also said Britain will support the US efforts in extending sanctions against Iran.

Tu Yun, CRI news, London.