Hu Jintao addresses Australian Parliament

cctv.com 10-24-2003 13:25

Earlier this morning Chinese President Hu Jintao spoke to the Australian Parliament. During his speech, the Chinese president praised the heathy development of Sino-Australian relations over the past decades. He also stressed the importance of mutual respect and understanding between different countries.

Hu Jintao first of all hailed the traditional friendship between the two countries. He noted that the hundreds of thousands of Chinese immigrants living and working in harmony with Australian people are a testament of such historical ties.

Hu Jintao said: "More than 3 decades after the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Australia. The relations with Australia has always been an organic component of China's foreign policy"

He went on to say the improvement of bilateral cooperation between China and Australia signifies the necessity of mutual respect and understanding in conducting international exchanges. He noted differences between countries and cultures always exist. But just like the colors of the rainbow, the differences demand the same impartial treatment to appreciate their true value.

He said countries with different social systems may become partners as long as they are committed to seeking common ground, as well as respect each other. The Chinese president also stressed that China has been trying to learn from well-established international practices during its more than two decades' drive for modernization.

President Hu also noted: "In the past two decades, China also make endeavors in political restructuring and building democratic institutions."

The Chinese leader also said China and Australia have been working on a free trade partnership beneficial to both and the whole Asia-Pacific region. He spoke highly of the trade and economic framework that will be signed later today, saying it signifies a new beginning in bilateral trade cooperation.

Australian PM John Howard welcomed the Chinese president to the Australian parliament. And Australia's opposition leader Simon Crean was present. Crean also reaffirmed Australia's commitment to the "One-China" policy.

Editor:Su  Source:CCTV.com