China emphasizes strong partnership with Australia
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China called for stronger cooperation with Australia on Wednesday as the country' s Governor General, Quentin Bryce, visited Beijing.
"China would like to work with Australia to take a strategic and long-term perspective of our bilateral relationship and seek new progress from all-around cooperation," Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping told Bryce during a Wednesday meeting.
In their hour-long meeting in Diaoyutai State Guest House in western Beijing, Xi and Bryce discussed the improving momentum of China-Australia ties, hailing pragmatic collaboration in trade and economy, energy, resources, science and technology, culture, education and tourism.
Xi underscored the Chinese government' s commitment to step up exchanges at all levels, boost legislative, party and public communications, and to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation along with stronger coordination in all fields.
Bryce is making her first visit to China since taking office in September 2008. Bryce will also travel to Shanghai for the National Day events at the Australia Pavilion at World Expo 2010.
Xi said Bryce' s tour to Shanghai reflected her support of the World Expo which, for the first time, took place in a developing country since its debut in 1859.
Bryce congratulated China on hosting the World Expo, saying she was happy to learn that more than 10,000 Chinese tourists visit the Australia Pavilion every day.
Xi, recalling his three earlier visits to Australia, said he would again travel to Australia in a few days at the invitation of its Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd.
Bryce added that Rudd and the Australian government looked forward to Xi' s visit and hope the visit would produce positive results.
Earlier Wednesday, Bryce unveiled an exhibition entitled "Aboriginal Art from Australia's Deserts," which is an opening event for the Year of Australian Culture in China.
Recalling her experience of visiting Aborigine artists in Australia, Bryce said their "special" works helps people to know more about the art and culture of the Aborigines. Further, Bryce said she expected programs such as the culture year to strengthen cultural exchanges between Australia and China.
According to a joint statement signed last year, the Year of Australian Culture in China will run from 2010 to 2011 while the Year of Chinese Culture in Australia will be scheduled for 2011 to 2012.
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