Chinese premier says stable China-Australia ties serve common interests of the two peoples

Facts have proven that sound and stable China-Australia relations serve the common interests of the two peoples and meet the common expectations of regional countries, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said on Tuesday.

Li made the remarks while attending a welcome banquet by the Chinese community in Australia with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

The Chinese premier said he had extensive contacts with Australian leaders and people from all walks of life during his visit and that they share a common desire and sincere expectation for the development and maintenance of China-Australia relations.

Li said both the Chinese and Australian sides agreed to adhere to the positioning of the comprehensive strategic partnership, expand and deepen practical cooperation in various fields in the common interests of the two peoples, and promote the continuous development of bilateral ties.

Noting that overseas Chinese in Australia are important members of Australia's diverse society and have played a unique role in promoting economic, cultural and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries, Li said he hopes that they will continue to pay attention to and support the development of China-Australia relations.

China's economy has continued to rebound and improve against the backdrop of sluggish global economic growth, with its new growth drivers gaining momentum, said Li.

He expressed confidence that China's economy will maintain healthy and stable development, adding that a prosperous and more open China will bring more new opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation between Australia and China.

In his speech at the banquet, Albanese thanked the overseas Chinese in Australia for their positive contributions to Australia's economic and social development and multicultural prosperity.

He said the economies of Australia and China are highly complementary and that China's development has benefited Australia.

Australia is willing to strengthen communication and exchange with China, deepen cooperation in various fields and promote more fruitful results in Australia-China relations, Albanese said.

(With input from Xinhua)