Foreign and Military Affairs

Chinese vice president begins Australian tour

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-06-19 17:56

MELBOURNE - Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping arrived?in Melbourne on Saturday afternoon, starting his official visit to Australia.

Xi made the visit as a guest of Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.

In a written speech at the airport upon his arrival, Xi extended his "heart-felt greetings" and "good wishes" to the Australian government and people.

Xi said China and Australia are two important nations in Asia- Pacific region, speaking highly of the development of the relations between the two countries in recent years.

Xi noted that fruitful achievements have been scored in bilateral cooperation in economy, science and technology, cultural exchange and judicial communication, adding that both sides have kept close coordination on major international and regional issues.

"Further deepening the China-Australian comprehensive cooperative relationship is in the basic interest of both countries and both peoples, it also benefits the peace and development of the Asia-Pacific region and the world at large," he said.

The vice president said the Chinese government and people attach great importance to the China-Australia relations.

During his stay in Australia, Xi is expected to hold talks with Kevin Rudd and other Australian leaders.

"I'm looking forward to meeting Australian leaders and friends and exchanging views on boosting bilateral relations and other issues of common concern," he said.

"I believe, my visit will further consolidate mutual trust, deepen the friendship between the two nations and expand substantial cooperation on a wide range of fields, so as to push the China-Australia comprehensive cooperative relationship to a higher level," he added.

Xi and his delegation were received at the airport by Australian Trade Minister Simon Crean and Chinese ambassador Zhang Junsai. ?

Australia is the last leg of Xi's four-nation visits.