China´s senior leaders meet with Australian PM

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Source: CCTV.com | 04-11-2008 08:57

In Beijing, top legislator Wu Bangguo and Premier Wen Jiabao have held separate meetings with Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd. Their discussions focused on broadening mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries.

Wu Bangguo said China attaches great importance to Sino-Australian relations, and expressed hope for  further dialogue and exchanges with Australia. (Photo: xinhua)

In his meeting with the visiting Australian Prime Minister, Wu Bangguo said China attaches great importance to Sino-Australian relations, and expressed hope for further dialogue and exchanges with Australia.

The top law-maker also looks forward to enhancing legislative contacts with Australia.

Kevin Rudd expects broader cooperation with China, and agreed to promote legislative exchange as well as party-to-party contacts between the two sides.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (R) shakes hands with visiting Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd in a welcoming ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, on April 10, 2008. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)

Premier Wen Jiabao and Kevin Rudd reviewed the fast growing relationship between the two sides during their meeting.

Wen Jiabao said China would like to push these ties to a higher level, while Kevin Rudd expressed Australia's understanding and support for China's development, which is beneficial to Australia and the world at large.

After hearing Premier Wen's explanation of China's stance on the issues of Taiwan and Tibet, Kevin Rudd reiterated Australia's stance on the one-China policy. He addressed Australia's opposition to a boycott of the Beijing Olympic Games, and wished the games great success.

Wen Jiabao also made several proposals to develop Sino-Australian relations, including increasing high-level exchanges and dialogue, promoting free trade negotiations, and developing long-term cooperation in energy and resources.

Prime Minister Rudd agreed to work with China in energy, resources, and manufacturing fields, and stated his hope that free-trade talks with China could be sped up.

After the meeting, the two sides signed a joint statement on closer cooperation to combat climate change.