China and Australia Pledge to Resume Comprehensive Dialogue and Enhance Cooperation

Canberra, The Gulf Observer: China and Australia have reaffirmed their dedication to fostering dialogue and cooperation following the conclusion of the seventh round of China-Australia diplomatic and strategic dialogue held in the Australian capital of Canberra on Wednesday.

Under the leadership of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Australian counterpart Penny Wong, both nations have agreed to resume comprehensive dialogue across various domains and expand collaboration in diplomacy, economy, trade, technology, education, and law enforcement. Additionally, a commitment has been made to launch dialogues on maritime affairs and facilitate increased personnel exchanges between the two countries.

Reflecting on the positive trajectory of bilateral relations, Minister Wang highlighted efforts to overcome previous challenges and revive exchanges and cooperation between China and Australia since their meeting in 2022. Emphasizing the significance of the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership, Minister Wang called for building upon existing momentum to cultivate a more mature, stable, and mutually beneficial bilateral relationship.

Fundamental to the development of China-Australia relations, Minister Wang underscored the importance of mutual respect and adherence to international norms, particularly with regards to sovereignty and territorial integrity. He reaffirmed China’s commitment to constructive engagement, urging reciprocal respect for China’s core interests and concerns.

Minister Wang also emphasized the immense potential for enhanced cooperation between China and Australia across various sectors, including traditional industries such as energy, mining, and agriculture, as well as emerging fields like new energy, digital economy, and climate change mitigation. He urged Australia to provide a conducive business environment for Chinese enterprises to invest and operate transparently.

In response, Minister Wong highlighted the longstanding historical and cultural ties between Australia and China, emphasizing the need to transcend differences and deepen cooperation for mutual benefit. Expressing satisfaction with the progress achieved in bilateral relations, Minister Wong reiterated Australia’s commitment to constructive dialogue and collaboration across multiple domains.

The dialogue also saw both sides exchange views on pressing international and regional issues of mutual concern, underlining the shared commitment to promoting peace, stability, and development in the region.

Separately, in a meeting with Australian business leaders and policy experts, Minister Wang reiterated China’s commitment to mutually beneficial cooperation and called for greater contributions from both sides in advancing bilateral relations. Participants from the Australian side welcomed the positive developments in bilateral relations and expressed support for deepening cooperation across various sectors, including green development and technological innovation, to address global challenges and foster continued growth in Australia-China relations.