Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang arrived in Sydney Thursday night to start a three-day official visit at the invitation of the Australian government.

Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang (R) receives a bouquet at the airport in Sydney, Australia, Oct. 29, 2009. Li Keqiang began his official visit to Australia on Thursday.[Liu Jiansheng/Xinhua]

Upon his arrival at Sydney International Airport, Li said in a written statement that both China and Australia were major countries in the Asia-Pacific region.

"We have extensive and important common interests in safeguarding and promoting peace, stability and prosperity in the region," said Li.

He pointed out that, during the 37 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, China-Australia relations had maintained a sound momentum of growth thanks to the concerted efforts of both sides.

Remarkable achievements have been made in bilateral cooperation and exchanges in trade and other areas, bringing tangible benefits to the peoples of both countries, said Li.

Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang (R) shakes hands with Deputy Prime Minister of Australia Julia Gillard at the airport in Sydney, Australia, Oct. 29, 2009. Li Keqiang began his official visit to Australia on Thursday.[Liu Jiansheng/Xinhua]

He also said the purpose of his visit was to enhance mutual trust, deepen cooperation and work with the Australian side to seek further development of bilateral ties.

"I look forward to having in-depth exchanges of views with Australian leaders on deepening China-Australian relations, international and regional issues of common concern, and to having extensive contacts with people of various sectors," the vice premier noted.

China is ready to work with the Australian government and friends from all sectors and to continue to promote steady growth of the comprehensive cooperation between the two sides in the spirit of mutual respect and win-win progress, Li said.

Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang (L), accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister of Australia Julia Gillard(L2), shakes hands with the crowd at the airport in Sydney, Australia, Oct. 29, 2009. Li Keqiang began his official visit to Australia on Thursday.[Liu Jiansheng/Xinhua]

During his stay in Australia, Li will hold talks with Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and other leaders. Apart from Sydney, he will also visit Canberra and Brisbane and meet with the state leaders of New South Wales and Queensland.

In Sydney, Li will make a speech to local industrial and business leaders and attend the signing ceremony of a number of agreements on bilateral cooperation in the fields of forestry, education, training and telecommunications.

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