Prime Minister Howard holds a ceremony to welcome Premier Wen Jiabao

On April 2, Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Australia John Howard held a grand ceremony in Canberra to welcome Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao of the State Council for his official visit to Australia.

At 7:50 pm local time, the special plane of Premier Wen landed slowly at the Canberra International Airport. When Wen walked out of the cabin door, the guard of courtesy fired a 19-gun salute. Howard accompanied Wen to ascend the reviewing platform and the military band played the Chinese national anthem. Later Wen was accompanied by Howard to review the guard of honor. Howard briefed Wen on main Australian officials and Wen Also introduced to Howard Chinese companions. A young woman from the Chinese Embassy in Australia presented a bouquet to Wen. Wen waved greetings to the welcoming contingents. Later Wen was accompanied by Howard to ascend the reviewing platform again and the military band played the national anthems of both countries.

Among those who participated in the welcome ceremony at the airport were Australian Senate President Paul Calvert, House of Representatives Speaker David Hawke and other top Australian government officials, as well as the staff of the Chinese Embassy in Australia and representatives from overseas Chinese and Chinese students studying in Australia.

At the invitation of Howard, Wen arrived in Perth on April 1, kicking off his official visit to Australia. This is the first visit to Australia by Chinese Premier over the past 18 years.

It is reported that during his visit to Canberra, Wen will hold talks with Howard and meet with Governor-General Michael Jeffery and other Australian leaders. Both sides will sign a range of cooperative documents.