Xi calls for bigger role of Queensland in promoting China-Australia relationship

BRISBANE, Australia, Nov. 16 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Queensland Premier Campbell Newman here on Sunday, calling for a bigger role of Queensland in promoting China-Australia relations.

Queensland has advantages in economy, scientific research and culture, said Xi, hailing the state as a major participant in China-Australia cooperation.

China has become Queensland's largest trading partner, source of imports and export market, and there is still great potential in their cooperation, said Xi.

He said China encourages more Chinese enterprises to take part in Queensland's mining, agriculture, animal husbandry and infrastructure construction.

He called on the two sides to give full play to the mechanism of sister cities and sister states (provinces) to boost exchanges and cooperation in such fields as culture, education, science and technology.

For his part, Newman said Queensland remains committed to expanding exchanges with China and developing a long-term reliable cooperative relationship.

Queensland welcomes Chinese investment and more Chinese citizens to study and travel in Queensland, said Newman.

Also on Sunday, Xi's wife Peng Liyuan, accompanied by Newman's wife Lisa, visited Queensland Museum and voiced hope for more people-to-people exchanges and strengthened friendship between the two peoples.

Xi arrived here late Friday for the Group of Twenty Summit and a state visit to Australia.