CANBERRA: Premier Wen Jiabao arrived here yesterday on an official visit to
Australia, the first leg of his four-nation Asian-Pacific tour.
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Chinese
Premier Wen Jiabao (2nd-R) handles a formation of stable natural gas
hydrate during an experiment at the Woodside Hydrocarbon Research Facility
at Curtin University of Technology in Perth, Australia April 2, 2006.
[Reuters]
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When he arrived at Canberra International Airport by special plane he
received a warm red-carpet welcome and a 19-gun salute.
Australian Prime Minister John Howard, Senate President Paul Calvert, House
of Representatives Speaker David Hawke and other senior Australian government
officials received the Chinese leader at the airport.
Also present at the welcoming ceremony were staff of the Chinese Embassy in
Australia, and Chinese representatives overseas and Chinese students studying in
Australia.
Premier Wen flew here from Perth, the capital of Western Australia, where he
attended a briefing on Australia's abundant natural resources.
He also paid visits to HIsmelt Corporation Pty Ltd and a hydrocarbon research
centre at the Curtin University of Technology.
During his stay in Canberra, Wen is expected to hold talks with Prime
Minister Howard, and meet Governor-General Michael Jeffery and other Australian
officials.
It is understood that the two sides will sign a series of agreements as well
as documents on commercial co-operation.
Wen suggested yesterday that Beijing and Canberra establish "long-term,
stable" relations in the demand and supply of energy and resources.
He made the remarks when meeting Australia's industry, tourism and resources
minister Ian Macfarlane in Perth.
"The co-operation based on equality and mutual benefit is in the interests of
both nations," Wen said.
Australia, which has about 40 per cent of the world's known uranium reserves,
is ready to supply uranium to meet China's energy needs.
"Our energy and resources co-operation is ensured by such safeguards and
during my visit here this time, the two governments are going to sign an
agreement for peaceful use of nuclear energy and safeguards of nuclear energy."
Wen will also pay official visits to Fiji, New Zealand and Cambodia, and
attend the first China-Pacific Island Economic and Development Co-operation
Forum, to be held in Fiji on April 5-6.