(China Daily/Xinhua)
Updated: 2007-09-04 07:09

PERTH, Australia: President Hu Jintao arrived here yesterday on a state visit to Australia, where he will also attend the 15th Economic Leaders' Meeting of Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in Sydney on September 8-9.

During his visit, Hu is expected to discuss with Australian leaders how to boost bilateral relations and the ways to deal with major world and regional issues of common concern.

Last year, the two countries agreed to develop comprehensive and cooperative ties for mutual benefit in the 21st century. This year marks the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Australia.

"China and Australia are important countries in the Asia-Pacific region. In the 35 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, the two countries have treated each other as equals with mutual respect and actively promoted friendly exchanges and win-win cooperation, and their relationship has maintained a strong momentum of growth," Hu said in a written statement issued after his arrival.

Soon after his arrival, Hu met with Western Australia Premier Alan Carpenter.

China has become the Western Australian state's largest export market and its second largest trading partner. In recent years, China and Australia's resource-rich state have carried out a series of large cooperation projects in the fields of energy and natural resources.

These projects "have provided resources necessary for China's economic construction while vigorously driving the economic growth in Western Australia," Hu said.

"The two sides have also expanded cooperation in education and scientific research."

China is ready to work with Western Australia to take the level of dual-track cooperation to a new height, he said.