Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing said in Hanoi, Vietnam yesterday that China is ready to join efforts with Australia in expanding the comprehensive and cooperative ties between the two countries.

 

During the meeting with his Australian counterpart Alexander Downer on the sidelines of the APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) Ministerial Meeting, Li said the mutual political trust between the two countries has been strengthened and fresh progress has been made in their exchange and cooperation in various fields.

 

Noting that China and Australia will celebrate the 35th anniversary of their diplomatic ties next year, Li said the two countries will hold a series of cultural, economic trade and academic activities to mark the event.

 

While expressing satisfaction with the good relations between the two countries, Downer reiterated that Australia will uphold the one-China policy.

 

The two ministers pledged that both sides will make joint efforts in making substantial progress in the negotiations on a free trade agreement between the two countries.

 

Besides, they discussed the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula and other international and regional issues as well.

 

(Xinhua News Agency November 17, 2006)