国内英语新闻:Australian PM meets with visiting Chinese general

CANBERRA, May 13 (Xinhua) -- Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd met with visiting General Guo Boxiong, vice-chairman of China 's Central Military Commission, later on Thursday.

In the meeting, Rudd praised China's reforms and opening up which massively upheaved its economy and the society, and said the achievements are unparalleled in the world.

Rudd said the Australian government places importance in Sino- Australian relations. In recent years, there has been a very good political climate given the strengthened economic cooperation and closer exchanges between the peoples. He said today more and more people from China travel to and study in Australia which effectively promoted the understanding and friendship between the peoples.

Rudd said Australia hopes to further strengthen dialogue and exchanges, enhance mutual understanding and trust to establish a " sworn friend" (zheng you) relations with China. He also hopes to see the defense and military relations between the two countries will further develop, adding that Australia is very optimistic in future Australia-China relations.

Guo said although China and Australia are far apart, the two peoples have friendly relations. In recent years, such bilateral relations were maintained in a sound trend in general as there have been frequent diplomatic visits, and economic and trade cooperation continue to expand. Particularly, although both have gone through the financial crisis, the two countries' volume of trade is actually rising, instead of falling.

He said continual development of Sino-Australian friendly relations and cooperation help increasing mutual understanding and trust, expand consensus and cooperation, which not only accords to the interests of the two peoples but also benefits to safeguard the peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.

He said China places great importance in developing relations with the Australian military and is willing to make joint efforts with Australia to carry out multi-level, broad areas of pragmatic communication and cooperation that will enhance the military relations to a higher level.

Guo arrived on Tuesday in Australia for an official visit. Since arrival, he held talks with Australian Defense Minister John Faulkner and met with Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith. He also visited related Australian Army forces and the Australian Defense College.