On January 15, 2007, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao met with Australian Prime Minister John Howard in Cebu, Philippines.

 

Wen recalled that both sides reached consensus on developing China-Australia comprehensive cooperation of mutual benefits in the 21st century last April and defined a range of objectives and tasks on deepening bilateral ties. Over the past half a year, with the joint efforts of both sides, bilateral exchanges and cooperation in all areas have made lots of new progress and the relations between the two countries continue to show a good momentum of development. Facts prove that China and Australia are fully capable of setting an example in bilateral relations for countries of different social systems and cultural backgrounds, Wen said.

 

Wen said both countries are in the Asia-Pacific region and share important responsibility of safeguarding regional peace and stability and promoting regional cooperation and development. This year marks the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries and China is ready to make joint efforts with Australia to seize the opportunity and push bilateral relations to a new stage. Wen expressed the wish that the two countries will expand friendly exchanges, enhance political trust and continue to push forward cooperation on energy and mineral resources development. In the mean time, Wen hoped that the two countries should take active measures in cooperation in scientific, technological and environmental areas. He also urged both sides to strengthen communication in international and regional affairs and jointly maintain peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.

 

Howard said Australia and China have witnessed sound development of bilateral relations thanks to cooperation based on broad common interests. He expressed the strong wish to continue to maintain and expand friendly relations and reinforce mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries.

 

Howard said Australia and China share a solid foundation of trade and economic ties. Australia is willing to work for further expansion of trade and economic cooperation between the two countries, he added.

 

The two leaders decided, through discussion, to set up a Sino-Australian working group on clean coal technology in order to promote effective utilization of coal resources and tackle the global problem of climate changes. They agreed to start concrete efforts in this area at the earliest date possible.

 

The two sides also exchanged views on the negotiations about the China-Australia Free Trade Zone.