JAKARTA: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has confirmed his visit to China later this year, following talks with China’s Premier Li Qiang.
He made this announcement on the sidelines of an Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Indonesia, marking a significant development after years of strained relations between the two Canberra and Beijing due to various political and economic issues.
“I … confirmed the invitation from President Xi,” stated the Australian premier, adding he will visit Beijing later this year at a mutually agreeable time. This visit will be historic, as it will be the first by an Australian Prime Minister since 2016.
Chinese Prime Minister Li told Albanese that China is prepared to collaborate with Australia to resume exchanges across various areas. Although specific areas were not mentioned in the report by the Chinese state news agency Xinhua, Li emphasized that the Asia-Pacific region is the shared home of both countries, and Beijing is committed to working with Australia to safeguard peace and stability in the region.
China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning expressed China’s welcome for the planned visit, emphasizing that “a healthy and stable China-Australia relationship serves the fundamental interests of the two peoples.”
Albanese extended his gratitude to President Xi Jinping for the invitation and described his talks with Premier Li as “constructive” and “positive.” He stressed the importance of ongoing dialogue to enhance bilateral relations. Albanese also affirmed Australia’s commitment to cooperating where possible, addressing disagreements when necessary, and acting in the national interest.
Albanese’s last meeting with President Xi was during the Group of Twenty (G20) summit held on the Indonesian resort island of Bali in November last year.
