Chinese premier leaves for visits to Australia and New Zealand

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang left Beijing Wednesday morning for visits to Australia and New Zealand.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang meets the press at the Great Hall of the People after the conclusion of the annual national legislative session in Beijing, capital of China, March 15, 2017. [Photo: Xinhua]

This year marks the 45th anniversary of China-Australia and China-New Zealand relations. The official visits, scheduled from March 22 to 29, are the first by a Chinese premier since China upgraded its relations with the two countries to comprehensive strategic partnerships.

During his stay in Australia, Li Keqiang will attend the fifth annual meeting between Chinese and Australian prime ministers.

Premier Li is making the visits at the invitations of Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and New Zealand Prime Minister Bill English.

Ahead of his visit to Australia, Li has published an article titled "We Want to Work with You for Progress and Peace" in the newspaper The Australian.

Ahead of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang's visit to Australia, Li has published an article titled "We Want to Work with You for Progress and Peace" in the newspaper The Australian. [Screenshot: theaustralian.com]

Li said in the article that "advance" is a key word in both the Chinese and Australian national anthems. History cannot be turned back, just as the trend of the times cannot be reversed. We must overcome difficulties and solve problems in the course of moving forward and keep on advancing. China stands ready to work with other countries to support economic globalization and free trade, improve the global governance system and facilitate progress of mankind, wrote Li.

Also ahead of Li's visit to Australia, the official website of the Australian prime minister on March 17 published an article by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to welcome Li's visit. Turnbull said in the article titled "Premier of China's Visit to Australia" that he believed that the visit would "highlight Australia's strong economic relationship with China and our mutual commitment to encouraging trade and investment in our region."

Ahead of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang's visit to Australia, the official website of the Australian prime minister on March 17 published an article by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to welcome Li's visit. [Screenshot: pm.gov.au]