MELBOURNE, Sept. 24 (Xinhua) -- Jacinta Allan, premier of Australia's state of Victoria, stressed on Tuesday the importance of personal connections in Australia-China understanding and trust.
Delivering a speech at the reception to celebrate the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China hosted by the Chinese Consulate General in Melbourne, she shared her recent visit to China.
"When I was in China, I saw a highly-educated society that treasured and valued its history," Allan said, adding that she also saw a successful and innovative society that was relentlessly focused on the future.
Noting language is how to build understanding and trust, Allan said, "What really drives our relationship with China is people -- our personal connections, our shared understanding, and our ways of communicating."
She told Xinhua that one thing that got her attention was the particular focus that China has placed on driving more renewable energy into its community and economy. "There's a hundred solar panels being installed every second in China. That demonstrates a commitment to making that transition to renewable energy."
Fang Xinwen, Chinese consul-general in Melbourne, said that this year marks the 53rd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Australia and the 10th anniversary of the signing of the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement.
"China stands ready to work with Australia to build a more mature, stable and productive comprehensive strategic partnership in the years to come which will better benefit our two peoples," he said. ■
