Chinese Premier Li Qiang says relations between China and Australia are “back on track” after arriving in Adelaide on Saturday.
His visit is the first by a Chinese premier in seven years, and is expected to pave the way for President Xi Jinping’s first journey to Australia since 2014.
Australia is “uniquely positioned to connect the West and the East” and stands as “an important force of economic globalisation and world multi-polarity”, Mr Li said at Adelaide’s airport.
Bilateral relations are “back on track after a period of twists and turns”, Mr Li added.
Mr Li was greeted at Adelaide Airport by Foreign Minister Penny Wong, a senator for South Australia.
During his four-day visit, Mr Li will also visit Canberra and Western Australia.
“A more mature, stable and fruitful comprehensive strategic partnership will be a treasure shared by the people of both countries,” Mr Li said.
He is expected to visit a pair of pandas on loan from China to Adelaide’s zoo on Sunday.
Mr Li arrived from New Zealand, where he highlighted Chinese demand for New Zealand’s agricultural products.
He visited major New Zealand dairy exporter Fonterra on Saturday after signing agreements with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon on trade and climate change, with human rights and foreign interference also on the agenda.
Reuters/AP
Posted
