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President Hu: China-Australia ties maintain sound development momentum

WATCH VIDEO

Source: CCTV.com | 09-05-2007 08:34

Chinese President Hu Jintao (L) meets with Australian Governor-General

Michael Jeffery in Canberra, Australia, Sept. 4, 2007. (Xinhua Photo/Fan

Rujun)

Chinese President Hu Jintao is in Canberra as he continues his Australian

visit. He met with the Governor General in a bid to help improve

bilateral ties. Hu will also attend the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in

Sydney this weekend.

Hu jintao was welcomed in Canberra by Australian Governor General Michael

Jeffery and other Australian leaders and officials. His visit comes as

the two countries mark the 35th anniversary of the establishment of

diplomatic ties this year.

During talks with Jeffery, Hu said China-Australia relations have

maintained sound development over recent years.

The Chinese president notes that political trust has been enhanced and

there has been good cooperation in trade and other economic spheres.

The two sides have worked closely in international and regional affairs.

Hu says comprehensive cooperation benefits both countries in the long

run. China is confident about the future relationship and will work with

Australia to boost various exchanges and mutual trust and improve

bilateral relations to a new high level.

Jeffery says frequent exchanges of high-level visits provides a strong

impetus for developing Australia-China relations.

The two countries are enjoying rapid growth in bilateral trade, ever

closer energy cooperation and increased educational cooperation.

Jeffery hopes the two sides will strengthen research and cooperation in

agriculture and clean energy.

He says both countries advocate maintaining world peace and opposing war,

and agree to strengthen coordination in international affairs.

Before arriving in Canberra, President Hu visited Perth, capital of

Western Australia, and held talks with state Premier Alan Carpenter.

Hu says China has become Western Australia's largest export market and

second largest trading partner. In recent years, China and resource-rich

Western Australia had carried out a series of large cooperative projects

in the fields of energy and natural resources.

The leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation in trade, infrastructure,

science and technology, as well as personnel exchanges.

Hu also visited a scientific research center. The center focuses on

mineral exploitation and has cooperative arrangements with relevant

Chinese organizations. The President then visited an iron refining

company which is jointly run by companies from Australia, China, Japan,

and the US. Its refining technique is among the best in the world.