Developing Sino-Australian relations of friendly cooperation is not only to the benefit of the people of the two countries but also has positive effects on peace in the Asia-Pacific region as well as the world, said visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan yesterday.
Tang separately met Australian Governor-General Peter Hollingworth, acting Prime Minister John Anderson, and his Australian counterpart Downer yesterday.
Tang told the governor-general that both China and Australia are influential countries in the Asia-Pacific region and have mutual interests in keeping peace and stability in the region and promoting common prosperity and development.
Under the current situation, the two countries should step up dialogue and discussions to enhance common understanding, reduce differences and strengthen cooperation, he said.
Hollingworth said Australia is ready to help China adjust to the new situation after its admission to the World Trade Organization.
The governor-general in Australia is the representative of the state head of Queen Elizabeth II.
Acting Prime Minister Anderson recalled his visit to China last year and said the fast development of China left him deeply impressed. "I am strongly convinced that as China opens it door wider, the mutually interesting cooperation between Australia and China in the political, economical and cultural fields will be strengthened," he said.
Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer welcomed Tang, saying that this year is the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic ties between China and Australia and Tang is the first Chinese foreign minister to visit Australia during the past 10 years.
(China Daily March 20, 2002)
