We can all move forward through respect, cooperation and trade

It has flourished not only through mutual emulation and assimilation among its various ethnic groups but also through interactions and mutual learning with the other countries.

With reform, opening up and modernisation drive pressing ahead with full swing, we are all the more eager to draw on the useful achievements of all civilisations.

We stand ready to step up cultural exchanges with the rest of the world in a joint promotion of cultural prosperity.

Cultural pluralism is a distinct feature of Australian society, a feature that embodies ethnic harmony in the country.

Just as the Australian national anthem goes, Australian people have come across the seas.

Cultural exchanges have long served as important bridges of enhanced understanding and deepened friendship between our two peoples.

Last year was the 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Australia.

While Celebrate Australia 2002 delighted Shanghai citizens, Chinese performing artists had their debut in the famous Sydney Opera House.

In recent years, people-to-people exchanges between China and Australia have grown rapidly with annual visits well over 100,000.

China is now the biggest source country of foreign students in Australia.

We should continue to expand our cultural exchanges, giving fuller play to culture's role as the bridge and bond in the building of friendship between the two countries and two peoples.

Fourth, in security, they should strengthen mutual trust, cooperate on an equal footing and endeavour to maintain peace.