Top legislator Li Peng arrived yesterday to kick off his one-week official goodwill visit to Australia.

In a written statement released upon arrival, Li said both China and Australia have extensive common interests and shoulder important responsibilities in maintaining peace in the region and promoting common development.

Australia is the last leg of Li's four-nation visit to Asia-Pacific countries, which has already taken him to Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Australia.

Apart from the Australian capital, Li will also visit Sydney and Cairns and will meet Australian Governor-General Peter Hollingworth, Prime Minister John Howard, Speaker of the House of Representatives Neil Andrew and President of the Senate Paul Calvert.

Economic and trade co-operation has been an important part of bilateral ties and it is believed such co-operation will be a major topic of discussion during the visit.

Observers from both countries believe the future for economic exchange is very exciting, noting that both governments strongly support the development of closer economic ties.

Beijing decided in August to order US$13 billion worth of liquefied natural gas from Western Australia's Northwest Shelf field.

Howard said in early August relations with China are strong and an atmosphere of trust exists between the Australian and Chinese governments.

The Philippines

Before leaving for Australia, Li met Filipina President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Saturday. To conclude Li's visit to the Philippines, Li and Arroyo attended a ceremony in which the two sides signed four documents on economic co-operation.

During the meeting with Arroyo, Li said the "Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement" has been added to the United Nations list of terrorists, including al-Qaida and the individuals, groups and entities associated with them.

Li also noted that it is a positive fruit of the co-operation among members of the international community in the fight against terrorism.

(China Daily September 16, 2002)