Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday exchanged congratulatory messages with Australian Governor-General David Hurley and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Xi said practical cooperation in various fields has yielded fruitful results since diplomatic relations were established 50 years ago, bringing substantial well-being to the two peoples.
As both are important countries in the Asia-Pacific region, Xi said the healthy and stable development of the China-Australia relations serves the fundamental interests of the two peoples, and is conductive to promoting peace, stability and development in the Asia-Pacific region and the world.
China always attaches great importance in developing relations with Australia, Xi said, expressing willingness to take the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations as an opportunity, and work with Australia to advance the China-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership based on mutual respect and win-win principles, and bring benefits to the two countries and their peoples.
For his part, Hurley said the historical decision made 50 years ago has paved the way for the development of China-Australia relations, bringing growth and opportunities to both countries.
Looking ahead, the Australian side is committed to following the position of the comprehensive strategic partnership and developing stable and constructive relations with China in the spirit of mutual respect and mutual benefit, Hurley said.
On the same day, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang exchanged congratulatory messages with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
Taking the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations as an opportunity, Li hoped China and Australia will deepen exchanges and cooperation in all fields, aimed at promoting the sustainable, healthy and stable development of bilateral ties, and bringing well-being to the two peoples.
For his part, Albanese said it took courage and foresight for Australia's Labor Party government, led by then Prime Minister Gough Whitlam, to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China in 1972, which paved the way for both sides to develop strong, lasting and mutually beneficial relations with each other.
The stable China-Australia relations serve the interests of both countries, Albanese said, adding that Australia looks forward to working with China to promote further development of the China-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership on the basis of mutual respect and mutual benefit.