Stephen Smith, Australian foreign affairs minister, delivers a speech at the Australia Pavilion's opening ceremony in Shanghai on May 18, 2010. [Yang Yang/CRI]

The Australia Pavilion of the 2010 World Expo officially opened in Shanghai Tuesday morning, with Stephen Smith, Australian foreign affairs minister, in attendance to cut the ribbon at the opening ceremony.

As the first Australian minister to visit the 2010 Expo, Smith expressed his happiness and congratulations to the host city and China.

"I congratulate the city of Shanghai and the people of China in successfully staging this historic event. You are bringing the world to China and China to the world."

Inspired by the world-famous Ayer's Rock, the Australia Pavilion features sculpted, curved walls and an ochre-red exterior. The red shade of the pavilion's facade, made from a special kind of steel commonly used in Australian cities, will change gradually according to the temperature and humidity in Shanghai.

The Australia Pavilion is divided into three distinct but interrelated sections, and each section has a theme: "Journey" "Discover" and "Enjoy." The pavilion showcases various aspects of Australian life, including spectacular landscapes, a strong and vibrant economy, rich culture, innovation and Australia's commitment to sustainable development.

The Australia Pavilion is located within Zone B of the Expo Site near the Singapore and Malaysia Pavilions, and it covers an area of 4,800 square meters. Since the Expo's opening on May 1, the Australia Pavilion has received more than half a million visitors.