BEIJING – China and Australia on Wednesday agreed to strengthen their relations in a meeting between Chinese President Hu Jintao and Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard.
Speaking highly of the "pragmatic, friendly and reciprocal" policies which Gillard has pursued toward China since she took office in September 2010, Hu said the two sides should make sure that bilateral relations continue on a sound and stable track.
"The two sides should respect each other, enhance political mutual trust and appropriately handle sensitive issues," Hu said.
Gillard said Australia abides by the one-China policy and views its relationship with China as one of its most important international relationships. She also said Australia attaches high importance to the further development of bilateral ties.
On the economic front, Hu said the two countries should fully display their complementary advantages and turn extraordinary potentials of cooperation into substantial benefits of cooperation.
Gillard echoed Hu in saying that the new agreements that the two countries signed during her visit would provide opportunities for the further development of bilateral ties.– Xinhua
