JAKARTA: Following discussions with China’s premier, who stated that Beijing was prepared to resume bilateral relations after years of tension, Australias prime minister confirmed on Thursday( Sep 7 ) that he will visit China later this year.
Following a years-long lull in relations over political and economic issues, including Chinese sanctions on Australian imports, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made the announcement on the sidelines of an Association of Southeast Asian Nations ( ASEAN ) summit in Indonesia.
After speaking with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Albanese said,” I… confirmed the invitation from President Xi ,” adding that he” will visit China later this year at a mutually agreeable time.”
Since 2016, an American prime minister has not traveled to China.
Li informed Albanese that China was prepared to work with Australia to begin markets in various areas, according to Xinhua, a Chinese state news agency, without mentioning any particular regions.
According to Xinhua, Beijing will work with Australia to maintain peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific area because it is the shared residence of both nations.
Beijing welcomed the planned visit, according to Mao Ning, a spokesman for China’s foreign government, and” a healthy and stable relationship between China and Australia serves the underlying interests of the two individuals.”
President Xi Jinping was thanked by Albanese for the invitation, and he added that his discussions with Li were” constructive” and” positive ,” adding that the two nations needed more communication to strengthen their ties.
It was a crucial meet, I said. I assured Premier Li that we would continue to work together when possible, agree when necessary, and act in the best interests of the country.
Albanese and Xi last crossed paths in November while watching the Group of Twenty ( G20 ) summit from the Indonesian resort island of Bali.