Chinese President Xi Jinping said in a meeting with Australian Governor-General Peter Cosgrove Monday that bilateral1 relations have bright prospects2.
中国国家主席习近平在周一与澳大利亚总督皮特·科斯格罗夫举行的一场会谈中提出,中澳双边关系有光明的前景。
Xi
noted3 that the two sides have
decided4 to lift their relationship to a comprehensive strategic
partnership5 and have practically completed bilateral
negotiations6 on a free trade agreement (FTA).
The progress, stressed the president, has opened a new chapter in the friendly cooperation between the two countries.
Recalling his first visit to Australia, which took place in 1988, he said the current width and depth of bilateral cooperation were unimaginable 26 years ago.
"I am looking forward to deepening understanding about Australia through this visit," Xi added.
Speaking highly of the great importance Cosgrove attaches to bilateral relations, Xi particularly
acclaimed7 the veteran-turned-governor-general's contribution to China-Australia
defense8 cooperation.
China, Xi said, pays high attention to developing bilateral military relations, and stands ready to strengthen bilateral defense cooperation through high-level visits,
joint9 drills and defense
consultations10 and
jointly11 safeguard regional peace and stability.
For his part, Cosgrove said the establishment of the Australia-China comprehensive strategic partnership and the conclusion of bilateral FTA negotiations demonstrate the two countries' strong commitment to and the great potential in bilateral cooperation.
Cosgrove said he is delighted to see that Australian and Chinese armed forces have
revved12 up exchanges and cooperation and carried out joint exercises and is deeply impressed by the top-notch quality of Chinese troops.
He added that he is
fully13 confident in bilateral ties.
Before their meeting, Cosgrove held a grand welcome ceremony for Xi, who is paying a state visit to Australia after attending a Group of Twenty summit in the Australian city of Brisbane.
Australia is the first leg of Xi's
ongoing14 tour, which will also take him to New Zealand and Fiji.