China and Australia on Monday signed a series of agreements and
documents designed to strengthen economic and trade relations, and
bilateral cooperation in other fields including nuclear energy.
Visiting Premier Wen Jiabao and Australian Prime Minister John
Howard witnessed the signing of eight inter-governmental agreements
and documents, including an agreement for cooperation in peaceful
use of nuclear energy and an agreement on the transfer of nuclear
energy.
The other agreements include a treaty on mutual legal assistance
in criminal matters, a statement of intent on an agricultural
technical cooperation program, an exchange program for young
scientists, and three memorandums of understanding on establishing
high-level economic cooperation dialog, cooperation in coal mine
safety, and cooperation in education and training.
In addition, related ministries and departments also signed
several protocols or cooperative documents covering issues
including Australia's exports of citrus fruits and edible deer
products to China.
Meanwhile, a number of commercial contracts and deals on mineral
products, natural gas and electrical power were also signed.
Wen, who is in Canberra on an official visit at Howard's
invitation, will also meet with Australian Governor-General Michael
Jeffery and Opposition leader Kim Beazley later on Monday.
During the visit, Wen and Howard are expected to hold a joint
press conference and meet with key representatives of Australia's
industrial and commercial circles.
Economic and trade relations between China and Australia have
developed rapidly in recent years. Dual-track trade volume between
the two countries in 2005 was valued at US$27.3 billion.