On October 24, 2009, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao met with his Australian counterpart Kevin Rudd in Hua Hin, Thailand.

"The mutual respect, mutual trust and cooperation between China and Australia, both as big countries in the Asia-Pacific region, will not only yield tangible benefits for the two nations, but also have a positive impact on a larger scale," Wen said. The key to maintaining a sound and steady development of bilateral ties lies in their respect for and care about each other's core interests and major concerns, Wen said, pledging to work together with Australia to seek common ground while reserving differences, enhance dialogue, exchange and cooperation and continuously enrich the connotation of China-Australia comprehensive cooperative ties.

The Chinese premier said China and Australia are both large economies and it is of great significance for both sides to sign a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). He asked the two sides to unswervingly advance relevant negotiations in a spirit of positive cooperation, pragmatism, balance and mutual benefit so as to reach a high-quality, comprehensive and mutually acceptable FTA deal.

Rudd said that Australia-China relations are of great strategic significance to Australia both politically and economically. While hailing the great progress of cooperation between Australia and China in various fields, Rudd said his country is willing to maintain high-level exchanges, build mutual understanding and trust and deepen cooperation in all areas with China under the principle of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit. He pledged adherence to the one-China policy and respect for China's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Australia hopes to reach consensus as early as possible with China on the FTA and will bolster cooperation with China in such fields as trade, economy, investment, energy, agriculture and service, Rudd said.

The two prime ministers also exchanged views on East Asia cooperation and climate change.