In an annual meeting between Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Australia. The meeting, held to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the first visit to China by former Australian Prime Minister Edward Gough Whitlam, concluded with the successful resumption of the annual China-Australia Prime Ministers Meeting.
Here are the key points from the joint statement:
- Invitation and Visit: Australian Prime Minister Albanese visited the People’s Republic of China from November 4 to 7, 2023, upon the invitation of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.
- Leaders Meetings: President Xi Jinping held talks with Prime Minister Albanese, and Premier Li Keqiang and Prime Minister Albanese conducted a meeting on November 7. Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, Zhao Leji, also met with Prime Minister Albanese. The leaders exchanged views on China-Australia relations and global issues.
- Support for Comprehensive Strategic Partnership: Both leaders affirmed their support for the China-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership, emphasizing the importance of a stable and constructive bilateral relationship. They reiterated the significance of the 1972 joint communiqué establishing diplomatic relations between the two countries and expressed mutual respect, equality, and adherence to respective national policies.
- Political Dialogue: The leaders welcomed the continuous stability and development of political relations and highlighted the series of meetings between leaders and ministers since 2022, expressing their satisfaction with the restoration of vital dialogues in diplomatic and economic sectors.
- International Cooperation: Both sides underscored the importance of upholding the UN Charter and complying with WTO commitments. They agreed to continue cooperation on various multilateral platforms, including the United Nations, G20, APEC, and the East Asia Summit. The leaders also emphasized cooperation within the framework of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
- People-to-People Exchanges: The leaders acknowledged the positive contributions of cultural and people-to-people exchanges, especially the increased travel of students, tourists, and business professionals following adjustments to entry policies. The resumption of the China-Australia High-Level Dialogue was welcomed.
- Expanded Contacts: Both leaders agreed to continue and expand contacts in various fields, including political dialogue, trade, climate change, energy, environment, and human exchange. Specific mechanisms, such as the China-Australia Prime Ministers Meeting, China-Australia Diplomatic and Strategic Dialogue, China-Australia Strategic Economic Dialogue, and others, will be reinstated.
- Invitation to Visit: Australia extended an invitation for Chinese leaders to visit at their convenience, a gesture warmly welcomed by the Chinese side.
The joint statement reflects the commitment of China and Australia to maintaining a stable and mutually beneficial relationship, addressing differences, and advancing cooperation in various fields.
https://www.gov.cn/yaowen/liebiao/202311/content_6914025.htm