'Our differences should not define us': Australian premier thanks China's Xi for 'positive visit'

ISTANBUL (AA) – Concluding his official trip to China, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese Tuesday thanked China's President Xi Jinping for a "positive" outcome, noting the two sides have differences but can benefit from cooperation and dialogue.

"Our relationship with China is important and I am committed to advocating Australia's interests as we work to shape the decades ahead," said Albanese after meeting his Chinese counterpart Li Qiang in Beijing.

"It strengthens our economy, supports jobs and business, and sets our nation up for the future," he said, thanking Xi and Li for a "positive visit," the first to China by any Australian leader since 2016.

Acknowledging that Australia has differences with China, Albanese, however, said: "Both Australia and China benefit from cooperation and dialogue – and we agree our differences should not define us."

"I look forward to continued engagement on areas of mutual interest and in support of regional stability and security," said Albanese, as premiers of the two countries resume annual leaders meetings.

Albanese said the world was "confronting serious challenges and economic headwinds."

​​​​​​​"That's why a region that is peaceful, stable and prosperous matters at home," he added.

Albanese was in China, where he attended the sixth China International Import Expo – a global event attended by several foreign leaders.

On Monday, he met Xi for a bilateral summit.