Premier Wen Jiabao in Canberra Monday met with Australian Governor-General Michael Jeffery, commending the maturity and rapid growth of bilateral ties.

Wen is here for an official visit as guest of Australian Prime Minister John Howard.

"China and Australia should become a model of the peaceful co-existence for countries with different social systems, historical and cultural background," he said.

To this end, he urged the two sides to enhance high-level exchanges and strategic dialogue and remove barriers in the way of the bilateral ties.

He also said economic cooperation and people-to-people contacts should be strengthened.

Both Chinese and Australian cultures share a common feature: diversity, tolerance and openness, he said, adding that the two sides could enhance understanding, trust and friendship through cultural and educational exchanges.

Jeffery said the Australian people had the desire to understand China. Australia and China should give play to each other's advantage and enhance cooperation in economic, resources and educational fields, he said.

The two sides can also conduct research in environment, water resource and renewable energy, he said.

(Xinhua News Agency April 4, 2006)