Chinese Premier Li says China will work with Australia for more stable ties

Chinese Premier Li Qiang said on Saturday that China is ready to work with Australia for a more mature, stable and fruitful comprehensive strategic partnership, which will be a common asset for both peoples.

Li made the remarks upon his arrival at Adelaide Airport for his official visit to Australia.

He said that exchanges between China and Australia have a long history, and the friendship between the two peoples is ever stronger.

In 2014, Chinese President Xi Jinping paid a historic visit to Australia and the two countries established a comprehensive strategic partnership, Li said. 

Since then, exchanges and cooperation in various fields have been accelerating and upgrading, while mutual benefit and win-win cooperation have remained the mainstream of bilateral ties, he added.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese paid a successful visit to China last year, when bilateral relations returned to the right track after twists and turns, the Chinese premier said.

History has proven mutual respect, seeking common ground while shelving differences, and mutually beneficial cooperation are valuable experiences learned from the development of China-Australia relations and need to be upheld and carried forward, he said.

During the visit, Li and Albanese will co-chair the ninth China-Australia Annual Leaders' Meeting and attend a China-Australia CEO Roundtable meeting.

The Chinese premier's visit coincides with the 10th anniversary of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Australia.

"I am looking forward to an in-depth exchange of views with Australian leaders and friends from different communities on China-Australia relations and issues of common concern to promote cooperation, development and friendship," said Li.

Li was welcomed by Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and South Australia's Premier Peter Malinauskas upon his arrival at the airport.

He landed in Adelaide after wrapping up his three-day official visit to New Zealand, the first leg of his three-nation tour that will also take him to Malaysia.

(With input from Xinhua)