Full coverage: Premier Li Visits Australia, New Zealand

Full coverage: China’s Leaders

CANBERRA, March 23 (Xinhua) -- China will join hands with Australia in promoting globalization, improving global governance and combating protectionism, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said here on Thursday.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang(L) meets with Australian Governor-General Peter Cosgrove in Canberra, Australia, March 23, 2017. (Xinhua/Li Xueren)

Li made the remarks during talks with Australian Governor-General Peter Cosgrove, and conveyed the cordial greetings of Chinese President Xi Jinping.

In talks with Cosgrove, Li said that efforts by both countries send a positive signal about creating a more open global economy.

Li arrived in the Australian capital of Canberra on Wednesday night for his first official visit to the Oceanian country since he took office in 2013.

He said that China and Australia shared a close friendship and witnessed continuous development of cooperation in various fields.

China will work with Australia to expand pragmatic cooperation and broaden cultural exchanges in order to benefit the two peoples, Li said.

Peace and stability are essential in ensuring the well-being of both peoples, the premier said, adding that China is willing to work with Australia to maintain regional stability and world peace.

Cosgrove welcomed Premier Li's visit to Australia, saying that the two sides have maintained high-level communications for years, while local and cultural exchanges between China and Australia have borne fruitful results.

He believed that Australia will benefit from China's strong economic growth, noting that his country has the willingness to extend bilateral cooperation across a number of various fields to further develop the relationship.

Li's wife Cheng Hong and Cosgrove's wife Lynne also attended the meeting at the Government House.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang(2nd R) meets with Australian Governor-General Peter Cosgrove(2nd L) in Canberra, Australia, March 23, 2017. Li's wife Cheng Hong(1st R) and Cosgrove's wife Lynne also attended the meeting. (Xinhua/Li Xueren)