Beijing, October 15th—Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, met here today with Sue Lines, President of the Australian Senate.

Liu said, since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Australia, bilateral relations have maintained a positive momentum of development. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership, with bilateral relations now transitioning from stabilization and improvement to consolidation and further development. The Chinese side is ready to work with the Australian side to uphold the principles of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, strengthen exchanges and dialogue, promote cooperation in economy, trade, investment, people-to-people and cultural engagement, tourism and other fields, and consolidate the momentum of improvement and development of bilateral relations. Both China and Australia are important countries in the Asia-Pacific region. A sound and stable China-Australia relationship not only serves the interests of the two peoples, but also contributes to regional peace, stability and prosperity.

Liu said, the CPC has maintained long-term friendly exchanges with major political parties in Australia, which has played an important role in promoting the development of China-Australia relations. The Chinese side is ready to enhance inter-party exchanges with the Australian side, conduct in-depth political dialogue on respective development strategies, development goals and international and regional issues, seek common ground while shelving differences, enhance mutual understanding, and push forward the China-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership.

Lines said, stable and constructive Australia-China relations serve the interests of both countries and are also important to the region. I am glad to see that Australia and China have recently strengthened exchanges at all levels. In particular, Premier Li Qiang's successful visit to Australia in June this year has brought the two sides closer cooperation in various fields. The Australian side follows a stable, pragmatic and forward-looking policy towards China, and stands ready to work with the Chinese side to strengthen cooperation in economy, trade, agriculture and other fields, face up to and resolve differences in a candid manner and promote the development of bilateral relations. The Australian side thanks the Chinese side for the unilateral visa-free policy for Australian citizens, and is willing to seize the opportunity to expand personnel exchanges between the two sides. Dialogue and exchanges can enhance mutual understanding and avoid miscalculation. The Australian side is willing to strengthen inter-party exchanges and dialogue with the Chinese side.

The two sides also exchanged views on international and regional issues of common interests.