At the invitation of the Chinese People's Institute of Foreign Affairs (CPIFA), former Australian Prime Minister Paul Keating visited Beijing from Nov. 2 to 6, 2010. During his stay in Beijing, Vice Premier Wang QiShan, Vice Minister Liu Jieyi of the CPC International Department met with him respectively. Amb. Chen Yonglong, Vice President of CPIFA, hosted dinner in Mr. Keating’s honor. Both sides exchanged views on Sino-Australian relations, bilateral trade and economic cooperation, China’s development and world economic situation.

       Mr. Keating said the current years have witnessed considerable development in the relations between Australia and China and both sides have benefited from the relationship. He expressed his willingness to commit himself to promoting the bilateral relations.