CANBERRA: Premier Wen Jiabao arrived here yesterday on an official visit to Australia, the first leg of his four-nation Asian-Pacific tour.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (2nd-R) handles a formation of stable natural gas hydrate during an experiment at the Woodside Hydrocarbon Research Facility at Curtin University of Technology in Perth, Australia April 2, 2006. [Reuters]

When he arrived at Canberra International Airport by special plane he received a warm red-carpet welcome and a 19-gun salute.

Australian Prime Minister John Howard, Senate President Paul Calvert, House of Representatives Speaker David Hawke and other senior Australian government officials received the Chinese leader at the airport.

Also present at the welcoming ceremony were staff of the Chinese Embassy in Australia, and Chinese representatives overseas and Chinese students studying in Australia.

Premier Wen flew here from Perth, the capital of Western Australia, where he attended a briefing on Australia's abundant natural resources.

He also paid visits to HIsmelt Corporation Pty Ltd and a hydrocarbon research centre at the Curtin University of Technology.

During his stay in Canberra, Wen is expected to hold talks with Prime Minister Howard, and meet Governor-General Michael Jeffery and other Australian officials.

It is understood that the two sides will sign a series of agreements as well as documents on commercial co-operation.

Wen suggested yesterday that Beijing and Canberra establish "long-term, stable" relations in the demand and supply of energy and resources.

He made the remarks when meeting Australia's industry, tourism and resources minister Ian Macfarlane in Perth.

"The co-operation based on equality and mutual benefit is in the interests of both nations," Wen said.

Australia, which has about 40 per cent of the world's known uranium reserves, is ready to supply uranium to meet China's energy needs.

"Our energy and resources co-operation is ensured by such safeguards and during my visit here this time, the two governments are going to sign an agreement for peaceful use of nuclear energy and safeguards of nuclear energy."

Wen will also pay official visits to Fiji, New Zealand and Cambodia, and attend the first China-Pacific Island Economic and Development Co-operation Forum, to be held in Fiji on April 5-6.