CANBERRA, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- A photo exhibition to commemorate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Australia and China is hosted in the Australian capital Canberra during the weekend.
Organized by the Australia-China Economic and Cultural Promotions Inc. and Fair Canberra Inc., the exhibition, with about 120 photos showcasing exchanges between the two countries, will run from Friday to Sunday in the Ainslie Football and Social Club.
"This is a beautiful exhibition, a reminder of the person-to-person ties that bind our two countries together," said Andrew Leigh, a member of the parliament and assistant minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury, at the launching ceremony on Friday night.
Having visited China twice, he noted that the interpersonal links gave him confidence for the long term trajectory of the Australia-China relationship. "I hope in the years to come, that relationship will only grow stronger still."
Chinese Ambassador to Australia Xiao Qian said that the photo exhibition was part of the celebration for the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, giving people an opportunity to review the past and prepare for an even better future.
"[It] reflects the relationship where we started, what we have achieved, and more importantly, it gives us confidence that the past five decades...have been a successful story," he said.
He believed that the relationship contributed to both countries' development. China has remained for years Australia's largest trading partner, export market, source of imports, source of tourism revenue and source of international students.
Australia is also home to 1.2 million people of Chinese heritage.
"I appreciate the role that Chinese community has played as a bridge," said the ambassador.
Jiang Deren, President of the organizer Australia-China Economic and Cultural Promotions Inc., recognized the 50th anniversary a great opportunity.
Echoing the ambassador's view, he said that the Chinese community should continue to play a positive role in improving relationship between the two countries. ■
