"China values the cooperation in the field of education with Australia, and the high-level consultation in terms of education by the two sides has made gratifying achievements so far," commented Zhang Xinsheng, head of Chinese education delegation and vice-minister of Education, who is attending the Second Consultative Conference of Sino-Australia Educational Working Group in Canberra, Australia.

Zhang further noted that the two sides should further enhance the exchange and cooperation in terms of higher education and Chinese side will aim at cultivating high-level talents, the middle-aged and young talents in particular, vigorously promoting the cooperation between prestigious universities and high-level disciplines. Meanwhile, based on what has already achieved through cooperation, the two sides will also boost the exchanges and cooperation between Chinese universities, including the universities in China's western region and the universities in Australia, educating best talents for the cause of China's Western Development.

At the consultative conference, the educational departments from the two countries also held dialogue on the issue concerning the interests of Chinese college students and Chinese middle school and primary students studying in Australia. Zhang added that Chinese government attached great emphasis on the studies, life and personal safety of various Chinese students studying in Australia. Ministry of Education has reiterated the consistent stand of Chinese government to Australia, demanding Austrian government to protect the legal interests and security of Chinese students in Australia and urging the guarantee of teaching quality in various educational institutions that recruit Chinese students. Australian side positively echoed Chinese demands and vowed to further implement the Educational Service Law for Overseas Students, providing international students with better education and service.

By People's Daily Online