CANBERRA, June 4 -- At the invitation of the Australian government, a CPC delegation headed by Mr. Han Zheng, member of the Politburo of the CPC Central Committee and secretary of the CPC Shanghai Municipal Committee, visited Australia from 1st to 4th of June. On June 3rd, Han met with Mr. Tony Abbott, Prime Minister of Australia and leader of the ruling Liberal Party and the two exchanged views on issues of mutual interests including China-Australia relations. 

Han said, Chinese and Australian economies have a lot to offer each other and the two countries share extensive common interests. China-Australia relations have undergone remarkable development thanks to joint efforts, which promoted the wellbeing of people of both countries. This year presents great opportunity for China-Australia relations and the Chinese side is willing to join the Australian side to strive for further progress in this regard. As the largest economic central city, Shanghai wishes to strengthen exchange and cooperation with Australia in various areas to contribute to the comprehensive and in-depth development of China-Australia relations. He also briefed on the development of the China (Shanghai) Free Trade Zone. 

Abbott recalled fond memories of his April trip to China. He said, Australia and China are enjoying frequent exchanges at senior, medium and other levels; cooperation is yielding fruitful results; the strategic partnership is full of vigor and vitality. Shanghai is strong in economy and technology and rapid in development. The close relationship between Shanghai and various Australian states is essential to the robust relations between the two countries. The Australian side is willing to learn from the Chinese side, seize the opportunities and push for new progress in the two’s cooperation. 

Han also met in Canberra with Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop, Treasurer Joe Hockey and Tanya Plibersek, Deputy Leader of the opposition Labour Party.

Han also visited the states of Queensland and New South Wales. He reached broad consensus with Premier Campbell Newman of Queensland and Premier Mike Baird of New South Wales on strengthening exchange and cooperation between Shanghai and the two states. 

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