China, Australia vow to further boost bilateral relations

China pledges to work with Australia to further enhance bilateral ties and cooperation in all fields, said Chinese President Hu Jintao in Beijing Monday.

During a meeting with Australian Governor-General Michael Jeffery, President Hu spoke highly of present Sino-Australian relations, saying that the two heads of state reached common ground on developing bilateral relations and political trust and economic cooperation have been promoted.

Hu indicated that the bilateral trade volume exceeded 20 billion US dollars last year, free trade agreement negotiations were launched, and cooperation on energy resources, public health, and tourism have been fruitful.

He expressed his appreciation to Australia for its adherence to the one-China policy, and its opposition to Taiwan independence.

Hu noted that both the important countries in the Asia-Pacific region, China and Australia have a common interest in safeguarding regional peace and stability and promoting prosperity.

Jeffery hailed the safe return of the re-entry capsule of Shenzhou-6 manned spacecraft, as well as China's laying down of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway in Lhasa.

He said Australia values relations with China, and would like to further increase bilateral cooperation on economy and trade, energy resources and education.

He noted Australia hopes that the free trade agreement negotiation with China would continue to make progress. He also promised Australia would offer natural gas to China according to the agreement.

Jeffery also reaffirmed that Australia will adhere to one-China policy.

Prior to the meeting, the Chinese president held a ceremony to welcome Jeffery, who arrived in the Chinese capital Saturday to continue his 10-day state visit to China as guest of President Hu.

During his stay in Beijing, he is expected to meet President Hu Jintao, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress Wu Bangguo and Premier Wen Jiabao, respectively.

Before heading for Beijing from Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Jeffery met with Shaanxi provincial Governor Chen Deming Saturday. He said Australia and China share many similarities and have maintained sound economic and trade relations.

The two countries are conducting negotiations on a free trade agreement, Jeffery said, voicing his belief that they will enjoy even broader prospects for economic cooperation in the future.

He said Australia is ready to beef up cooperation with China in the utilization of clean energy and agriculture.

Governor Chen Deming briefed Jeffery on the social and economic development of Shaanxi over recent years. He said Shaanxi is China's spaceflight base, and enjoys advantages in education, energy, electronic technology and new materials.

Chen hopes Shaanxi and Australia would enhance cooperation and exchanges in various fields.

During his stay in Xi'an, Jeffery visited the terra-cotta warriors museum, and some Sino-Australian joint projects.

Besides Beijing and Xi'an, Australian Govennor-General Jeffery also traveled to Shanghai, which is the first stop of his current China tour.

Source: Xinhua