CHINA READY Global Executive Chairman, Mr Garry Crockett, attended the official dinner in honor of His Excellency Mr Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China and his wife Madame Pen Liyuan in the Great Hall, Parliament House, Canberra on November 17, 2014 at the invitation of the Australian Prime Minister Mr Tony Abbott and his wife Mrs Margie Abbott.
The official visit by President Xi to Australia took place in conjunction with the G20 World Leaders Forum. This was the first State Visit by a President of the People’s Republic of China since 2007, although it was President Xi’s 5th visit to Australia.
President Xi hailed the visit as establishing a “new milestone in relations” and a “golden opportunity” to get things done. “Today’s relationship with Australia is very different to that of 1988 when I first visited”, he said.
“I am really satisfied with my visit and I firmly believe this visit will provide strong momentum for our bilateral relations”, President Xi stated.
“It was a great honor and privilege to be a part of this historic event,” said Mr Crockett. “It was also wonderful to catch up with friends and colleagues who had traveled from China to Australia, especially for the event”.
China’s remarkable economic development has propelled it to become Australia’s largest trading partner and a significant investor.
Australia was one of the very first countries to recognize the important role China would play in its future and in 2012 China and Australia celebrated the 40th Anniversary of bilateral cultural and economic relations between the two countries.
The official dinner for President Xi was held in the same room in Parliament House that CHINA READY launched its global online Chinese cultural awareness training program to the world on June 24, 2014.