Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer visited Tsinghua University and made a speech titled “Australia and China: Shared Interests and Common Challenges in Foreign and Trade Policy” in the Reception Hall of the Main Building on August 17. Tsinghua President Gu Binglin met and had a friendly talk with Mr. Downer.

Mr. Downer’s speech focused on foreign and trade policy issues. He talked about the key foreign and security policy as well as trade and economic initiatives of Australia. He also talked about the bilateral relationship.

“In my view, they show that the breadth, depth and relevance of our bilateral engagement today surpass any other period in our relationship,” said Mr. Downer.

At the end of the speech, Mr. Downer said he hoped that Australia could work with China over the next 25 years and beyond, with the spirit of strong cooperation and mutual respect.

After the speech, Mr. Downer answered questions raised by the seated students.

Professor Wang Youqiang, vice dean of the School of Public Management and Administration, Tsinghua University, hosted the speech.

Alexander Downer has been Australian Foreign Minister since the election of the Howard Government in March 1996. Born in 1951, Mr Downer was educated at Geelong Grammar School, Victoria; Radley College, Oxford, United Kingdom; and the University of Newcastle on Tyne, United Kingdom. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Politics and Economics and is a Doctor of Civil Laws (honoris causa).

Reported by Li Han

Photoed by Guo Haijun