China and Australia have agreed to develop a relationship of
all-round cooperation for the mutual benefit of both nations in the
21st century, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, said in Canberra Monday.
"This means that China and Australia will have consultation and
dialogue on political, economic and cultural issues, as well as
other major international topics," Premier Wen said at a joint
press conference with Australian Prime Minister, John Howard.
Wen, who held talks with Howard prior to the press conference,
described the common understanding reached between them after an
in-depth exchange of views as "very important."
Speaking of the details of the relationship Wen said there were
four key points.
First, according to the Chinese leader, the governments of the
two countries should continue to meet and discuss issues of common
interest.?
Second, China and Australia should work together to enhance
economic cooperation in all areas. Currently what was important for
the two countries was to complete negotiations for the
establishment of a free trade zone between them.?
Third, Wen said, the countries would work together to ensure
growth in cooperation in science, technology, culture, sports,
tourism and a number of other fields.
Fourth, China and Australia should work together to ensure there
was consultation and coordination on major issues on a bilateral
level.
During his official visit Wen stressed that China's foreign
policy was open. China was ready and willing to live in peace with
all other world nations, the Chinese leader added.
Prime Minister Howard said his talks with Wen covered the whole
range of economic and political relationships between Australia and
China.
"Of all of the major relationships Australia has with other
countries none has been more completely transformed than the
relationship with China over the last ten years," he said. He
described the transformation of the relationship with China as
"remarkable."
(Xinhua News Agency April 4, 2006)