China and Australia on Monday signed a series of agreements and documents designed to strengthen economic and trade relations, and bilateral cooperation in other fields including nuclear energy.

 

Visiting Premier Wen Jiabao and Australian Prime Minister John Howard witnessed the signing of eight inter-governmental agreements and documents, including an agreement for cooperation in peaceful use of nuclear energy and an agreement on the transfer of nuclear energy.

 

The other agreements include a treaty on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, a statement of intent on an agricultural technical cooperation program, an exchange program for young scientists, and three memorandums of understanding on establishing high-level economic cooperation dialog, cooperation in coal mine safety, and cooperation in education and training.

 

In addition, related ministries and departments also signed several protocols or cooperative documents covering issues including Australia's exports of citrus fruits and edible deer products to China.

 

Meanwhile, a number of commercial contracts and deals on mineral products, natural gas and electrical power were also signed.

 

Wen, who is in Canberra on an official visit at Howard's invitation, will also meet with Australian Governor-General Michael Jeffery and Opposition leader Kim Beazley later on Monday.

 

During the visit, Wen and Howard are expected to hold a joint press conference and meet with key representatives of Australia's industrial and commercial circles.

 

Economic and trade relations between China and Australia have developed rapidly in recent years. Dual-track trade volume between the two countries in 2005 was valued at US$27.3 billion.

 

(Xinhua News Agency April 3, 2006)