Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard oversaw the signing of a series of cooperation agreements with China on Tuesday at the start of a visit aimed at boosting ties with her country's top export market. Gillard attended the signing ceremony alongside Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao following a meeting at the Great Hall of the People, the seat of the legislature in the heart of Beijing, in which Wen reaffirmed the importance of China's relations with Australia. «We have always seen Australia as an important partner in our win-win relationship,» Wen said. «Thanks to the concerted efforts of both sides, the relationship has maintained important momentum for development.» The agreements cover cooperation in trade, tourism, science and mining, the Associated Press reported. Gillard's trip to China is the third and final stop on a weeklong regional outing focusing on economic ties that has already included visits to Japan and South Korea. Following her visit to Beijing, Gillard will fly to London to attend Prince William and Kate Middleton's wedding on Friday.
