Premier Li Keqiang said in Bangkok on Nov 3 that China and Australia should step up joint efforts to enhance mutual understanding and trust, properly handle differences, and return bilateral ties to the normal track.
Premier Li made the remarks in a meeting in Bangkok with his Australian counterpart, Scott Morrison, on the sidelines of a series of leaders' meetings on East Asian cooperation. The meeting on Nov 3 was the seventh annual meeting between the two heads of government.
Premier Li said that a sound and stable China-Australia relationship will not only bring benefits to both peoples, but also contribute to regional and global stability and development.
Noting there is no historical grievance or conflict of fundamental interests between China and Australia, Premier Li said the two sides should keep to the general direction of the bilateral relationship, truly regard each other's development as an opportunity, conduct constructive exchanges and cooperation on the basis of mutual respect and equal treatment, step up joint efforts to enhance mutual understanding and trust, properly handle differences, return bilateral ties to the normal track and push for steady and sustained development of bilateral relations.
Premier Li pointed out that the China-Australia cooperation does not undermine the interests of any third party, will not be targeted at any third party, and should not be affected by any third party.
As important economic and trade partners to each other, the two sides should join their hands as the world economy is facing increasing downward pressure, he added.
Stressing that China is implementing measures to expand opening-up in the service sector, which will provide important opportunities for all countries, including Australia, Premier Li said China is willing to continue to conduct exchanges and cooperation with the Australian side on trade, energy, finance, education and climate change.
He also expressed the hope that the Australian side can meet China halfway and work hard to ensure a sound and steady development of bilateral relations.
