Premier Li Keqiang on March 22 left Beijing for official visits to Australia and New Zealand, and for the fifth round of annual prime minister meetings with his Australian counterpart.

The trip also marks the first visit to both nations by a Chinese premier in 11 years, and will send a positive signal that China will work with Australia and New Zealand to promote trade and investment, and maintain regional peace and prosperity.

In an article published on March 22 in The Australian, the most influential newspaper in the nation, Premier Li said history should not be wheeled back, and that both sides should work together to crack difficulties and problems.

China is willing to join hands with other nations to maintain economic globalization, support free trade, improve global governance, and push forward social progress of mankind, said the Premier.

Just before Premier Li’s visit to Australia, the Australian prime minister said on his website that he was looking forward to Premier Li’s visit, and believed that the trip will demonstrate the strong economic ties between the two nations, and the mutual commitment to encourage trade and investment in the region.