Premier Wen Jiabao and Australian Prime Minister John Howard
agreed in Cebu on Monday to set up a Sino-Australian clean coal
work group in order to promote effective utilization of coal
resources and tackle the global problem of climate changes.
Wen and Howard held a meeting Monday morning in this resort city
in central Philippines. The two sides exchanged views on the
negotiations about the China-Australia Free Trade Zone.
During the meeting, Howard said Australia and China share a
solid foundation of trade and economic links. Australia is willing
to work for further expansion of trade and economic cooperation
between the two countries.
Wen said China is ready to join effort with Australia to push
bilateral relations to a new stage. He expressed the wish that the
two countries should continue to push forward cooperation on energy
and mineral resources development. In the mean time, Wen hoped that
the two countries should make active moves in cooperation in
scientific, technological and environmental areas.
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, adding
that the two countries should seize the current opportunity to
enhance political trust, strengthen communication on regional and
international affairs and jointly safeguard peace and stability in
the Asia-Pacific region.
Howard said Australia and China have witnessed sound development
of bilateral relations due to cooperation based on broad common
interests. He expressed the wish to continue to maintain and expand
friendly relations and step mutually beneficial cooperation between
the two countries.
Wen and Howard are in Cebu to attend the East Asia Summit held
on Monday.
(Xinhua News Agency January 15, 2007)
