The magnificent land of Australia has attracted worldwide attention with its exotic, charming landscape, dynamic economy, vibrant people and diversified culture.

I have visited Australia four times since 1988. Each time left me with a new ­understanding of the country and a deep impression of the profound friendship between the Chinese and Australian people. I look forward to my fifth trip to this land during which I will pay a state visit to Australia and attend the ninth G20 summit, in Brisbane.

As a Chinese saying goes: “Even mountains and seas cannot distance people with common aspirations.” Despite the geographical distance between us, China and Australia have been closely linked by history and ­reality. Since the establishment of ­diplomatic relations 42 years ago, our ­relations have traversed an extraordinary journey, making us good friends and ­strategic partners and bringing real benefits to our two peoples.

China and Australia have maintained close contacts at both the top and other ­levels and deepened mutual trust. We have established over 30 inter-governmental ­consultation mechanisms, including the annual meeting between our prime ­ministers, the foreign and strategic dialogue and strategic economic dialogue. There have been active exchanges between our legislatures, political parties and militaries, and we have maintained good communication and co-ordination on multilateral issues.

China and Australia have achieved ­fruitful results in practical business co-operation and deepened converging interests.

Bilateral trade has expanded 1500-fold in the past 42 years. China is now Australia’s ­largest trading partner, export market and source of imports. For every 100 tonnes of iron ore imported to China, 54 tonnes come from Australia. For every three dollars ­Australia earns from export, one dollar comes from China. Meanwhile, the ­premium dairy, meat and wine products of Australia are ­increasingly served at the ­dining tables of Chinese households.

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