On 24 August 2023, the Consulate-General of the People’s Republic of China in Brisbane jointly held ‘the Partnership, Legacy and Outlook: China-Queensland Friendship Photo Exhibition’ with ‘Friends of China’ Members of Queensland State Parliament. Consul-General Dr Ruan Zongze, Acting Speaker of Queensland Parliament Mr Joe Kelly, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk’s representative, Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Hon Mark Funer MP, Mr Peter Russo MP, Mr John-Paul Langbroek MP, Director of the Queensland State Office of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Ms Melissa O’Rourke, Fraser Coast Regional Council Mayor Cr George Seymour and other VIP guests attended the opening ceremony of the exhibition and delivered speeches. Chinese Ambassador to Australia H.E. Xiao Qian, Vice President of Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries Mr Jiang Jiang, delivered a video speech. Deputy Consul-General Yang Chenqi presided over the event. Deputy Consul-General Li Suyun and Consulate-General staff, approximately 120 representatives from Queensland Parliament, sister cities, overseas Chinese, business, academia and media attended the event.
Consul-General Dr Ruan said, since last year, China-Australia relations have been stabilized and improved, with dialogue and exchanges increased in various fields and at different levels. The exchanges and cooperation between China and Queensland have a solid foundation, broad prospects and great resilience. We hope that by holding this exhibition, we can make our friendly voice heard and encourage more people of the two countries to care about and play roles in advancing China-Queensland friendly relationship. The improvement of China-Australia relations and the post-pandemic economic recovery have created a conductive environment. I trust that the two sides will seize the opportunity to build on the momentum, actively promote bilateral exchanges and enhance cooperation, carry forward friendship and forge ahead to bring more benefits to our peoples.
Ambassador Xiao Qian said, with efforts from both sides, China-Australia relationship has entered a new stage of improvement, consolidation and development. We warmly welcome mutual exchanges and interactions between Queensland and its Chinese partners. It will not only contribute to the prosperity and development of Queensland, but also to the overall relationship between China and Australia.
Vice President Jiang Jiang said, Sub-national cooperation contributes to the healthy development of state relations. The successful practice of friendly exchanges between China and Queensland is the epitome of win-win cooperation between China and Australia, which brings concrete benefits to the people.
The guests shared friendly stories based on their own visits to China and life experiences in China, hoped for the bright future of China-Australia friendship, and expressed their willingness to continue making positive contributions to enhancing the friendship between the two sides.
The Photo Exhibition displayed more than 300 photos from sister-states/provinces and sister-cities between China and Queensland as well as the public, reflecting the outstanding achievements of bilateral friendship and cooperation in various fields, memorable stories and wonderful moments. It is very well received.