PENNY WONG, FOREIGN MINISTER: Thank you, Minister Wang for your warm welcome and I also thank you for your personal contribution to strengthening the relationship between our two countries. Can I express Australia's appreciation of China's condolences following a horrific antisemitic terror attack in Bondi last year and thank you for your understanding for the delay in my visit as a consequence.
I am so pleased to be here in China for my third official visit as Foreign Minister and for the eighth Foreign and Strategic Dialogue. Since my first visit in December 2022, I agree with you, I think we have made good progress together, and we have worked to ensure a stable and constructive relationship in the interests of both our countries.
Australia will continue to cooperate where we can, to disagree where we must, and to engage in our national interest. Today, as you said, we will both set out our views on bilateral, regional and international issues and continue the frank discussions as we navigate areas of cooperation and also of difference wisely, including on consular issues, human rights, foreign interference, and regional and international security.
Australia remains committed to working with China to further areas of cooperation, to supporting APEC this year. Foreign Minister, as you know, the conflict in the Middle East and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz is causing unprecedented global disruption, and we believe it is more important than ever to work together to keep fuel and goods flowing, and to uphold the peace, prosperity and security of our region. The inputs China provides to Australia, including aviation fuel, support, Australia's resources sector, which in turn helps to maintain the flow of commodities which underpin our bilateral trading relationship.
We are so pleased that Prime Minister Albanese and Premier Li agreed this month to increase our cooperation and communication on the critical issue of energy security, and we appreciate the Chinese Government facilitating engagement with Australia's businesses on jet fuel.
I look forward to continuing our constructive dialogue today.
