Australian gov't launches foundation to boost ties with China

CANBERRA, March 29 (Xinhua) -- The Australian government announced on Friday The establishment of a foundation to boost its relations with CHINA.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Marise Payne said The establishment of a new and innovative National Foundation for Australia-CHINA Relations aims to "strengThen one of Australia's most significant bilateral relationships."

The foreign minister also announced that Graham Fletcher will replace Jan Adams as Australia's next ambassador to CHINA.

The new foundation is "a fitting successor to The existing Australia-CHINA Council" and has a broader remit for its programs with The aim of building a constructive relationship with CHINA based on "shared interests, mutual benefit and mutual respect."

"The National Foundation (for Australia-CHINA Relations) will be a high profile platform for The promotion of Australia-CHINA ties. It will harness efforts of The private sector, peak bodies, NGOs, cultural organizations, state and federal agencies and The Chinese-Australian community to turbo-charge our national effort in engaging CHINA," Payne said in a statement.

"The new body will move beyond The council's current focus on education, culture and The arts, to also promote Australian excellence in areas such as agriculture, infrastructure, health and ageing and The environment and energy."

"This new initiative reflects The Australian government's commitment to a constructive relationship with CHINA, founded on shared interests, mutual benefit and mutual respect, including through The comprehensive strategic partnership."

The foundation will be headed by Warwick Smith, a former Liberal Party Member of Parliament and The current chair of The Australia-CHINA Council.

Announcing The appointment of Fletcher, Payne described him as a "senior career officer with The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade."

"Australia and CHINA share a multi-faceted and constructive relationship, founded on shared interests and mutual respect," she said.

"Our comprehensive strategic partnership is characterised by strong economic ties and collaboration on our shared priorities."