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The following media release was issued by the Australian Foreign Minister the Hon Stephen Smith MP:
4 February 2008
Visit to Australia by Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi
I am pleased to announce that the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, Mr Yang Jiechi, will visit Australia as a Guest of Government on 4-5 February 2008.
Australia and China share a strong bilateral relationship based on mutual respect and significant shared interests in the Asia-Pacific region, including through our common membership of key regional bodies such as APEC, the East Asia Summit and the ASEAN Regional Forum. Australia and China also share a booming economic and trade relationship – worth $54.7 billion in two-way trade in 2006-7. We celebrated 35 years of bilateral relations in December 2007.
Mr Yang and I will discuss a range of bilateral priorities, and review our program of bilateral dialogues, including on political, security, economic, trade, human rights and consular issues.
Mr Yang and I will also hold the inaugural bilateral Strategic Dialogue between Australia and China. The Strategic Dialogue is a new and important pillar in our expanding bilateral ties with China, and reflects the significance of the relationship to the two countries. This inaugural meeting represents a timely opportunity for us to discuss important regional and global issues and increase our understanding of each other’s long term priorities. We will exchange views on our respective strategic outlooks, particularly in the Asia Pacific region, and consider key global issues and emerging challenges. We will explore opportunities for bilateral consultation as we shape our contributions to regional peace and security.
The Government is committed to enhancing relations with China and I look forward to welcoming Mr Yang to Australia.
Media inquiries: Mr Smith's office 02 6277 7500 - Departmental Media Liaison 02 6261 1555