Chinese VP begins Australian tour
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Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping Saturday called for further deepening China-Australian comprehensive cooperative relationship as he arrived in Melbourne for a five-day official visit.
Great achievements have been scored in bilateral cooperation in economy, science and technology, cultural exchanges and judicial communications, and both sides have kept close coordination on major international and regional issues, Xi said in a written speech upon his arrival.
"Further deepening China-Australian comprehensive cooperative relationship is in the fundamental interest of both countries and peoples, it also benefits peace and development of the Asia-Pacific region and the world at large," he said.
Later Saturday, Xi discussed with Victoria State Premier John Brumby ways to strengthen cooperation between the state and China.
Xi said exchanges and cooperation at state and provincial level are important to bilateral ties. In recent years, friendly cooperation between Victoria State and China has achieved positive results, especially in trade and education.
He suggested that joint efforts be made in technological cooperation, especially the hi-tech sector such as the research and manufacturing of clean energy automobiles.
He also called for more extensive people-to-people and cultural communications, citing the Shanghai World Expo as an ideal opportunity for strengthening mutual understanding between the two peoples.
Premier Brumby said Victoria and China have a longtime friendship and cooperation between the two sides, which has enjoyed strong momentum of development in recent years.
Xi is scheduled to meet with Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd Monday and both will address a Sino-Australian economic forum in the Parliament.
Australia is the last leg of Xi's four-nation tour, which has taken him to Bangladesh, Laos and New Zealand.
