This photo taken on Sept 8, 2019 shows the Chinese and Australian national flags on a celebration event in Sydney, Australia. (PHOTO / XINHUA)
BEIJING – Chinese President Xi Jinping said Wednesday that China is ready to advance relations with Australia based on mutual respect, win-win principles.
Xi exchanged congratulations with Australian Governor-General David Hurley and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The healthy and stable development of relations between China and Australia, both important countries in the Asia-Pacific region, is not only in the fundamental interests of their people, but also conducive to promoting peace, stability and prosperity of the region and the world, President Xi said
In the messages, Xi said since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Australia 50 years ago, practical cooperation in various fields has achieved fruitful results, bringing tangible benefits to the people of the two countries.
The healthy and stable development of relations between China and Australia, both important countries in the Asia-Pacific region, is not only in the fundamental interests of their people, but also conducive to promoting peace, stability and prosperity of the region and the world, he added.
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Xi said he attaches great importance to development of China-Australia relations, and is ready to work with the Australian side to take the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations as an opportunity, adhere to mutual respect, win-win principles, promote the sustainable development of China-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership and continue to bring benefits for the two nations.
This historic decision of 50 years ago paved the way for the bilateral relationship to develop, bringing growth and opportunity to both countries, Hurley said, adding that looking ahead, Australia remains committed to a stable and constructive relationship with China, guided by mutual respect and mutual benefit, and in keeping with their comprehensive strategic partnership.
Premier Li Keqiang expressed his hope that China and Australia will take the opportunity of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic ties to deepen exchanges and cooperation in various fields, jointly promote the sustained, healthy and stable development of China-Australia relations to bring more benefits to their people
On the same day, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and Albanese also exchanged congratulatory messages.
Li, in his message, expressed his hope that China and Australia will take the opportunity of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic ties to deepen exchanges and cooperation in various fields, jointly promote the sustained, healthy and stable development of China-Australia relations to bring more benefits to their people.
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For his part, Albanese said that it took courage and vision for the then Labor Party government under then Prime Minister Gough Whitlam in 1972 to decide to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China, adding that the right decision paved the way for a strong, enduring and mutually beneficial relationship between the two countries.
Albanese said he strongly believes that a stable Australia-China relationship is in the interests of both countries, and that he looks forward to continuing to work with China to further develop their comprehensive strategic partnership based on mutual respect and mutual benefit.
This undated file photo shows China and Australia flags. (PHOTO / IC)
New chapter for bilateral ties
Meanwhile, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Australian counterpart, Penny Wong, exchanged congratulations on the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the bilateral ties.
Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that China and Australia should, in the spirit of mutual respect and seeking common ground while shelving differences, advance the sustained, sound and steady development of bilateral relations towards the goal of mutual benefit and win-win results
In his congratulatory messsage, Wang said China and Australia officially established diplomatic relations in 1972, with equality, mutual benefit, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence as the principles guiding their relationship, opening a new chapter for bilateral relations.
China and Australia should take the 50th anniversary as an opportunity to take stock of the past and stay forward-looking, Wang said, adding that they should, in the spirit of mutual respect and seeking common ground while shelving differences, advance the sustained, sound and steady development of bilateral relations towards the goal of mutual benefit and win-win results.
For her part, Wong noted that 50 years ago, Australia and China took the important step of establishing diplomatic relations, and that the historic agreement enabled bilateral trade and investment to flourish, bringing benefit to both countries.
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Expressing gratitude for China's invitation to visit the country, Wong said she looks forward to further advancing Australia-China relations in the wake of the constructive meeting between the leaders of the two countries.