Visiting Chinese President Hu Jintao and Australian Prime Minister John Howard met in Australia today to discuss ways of promoting bilateral relationship of all-round cooperation.

During their talks in the morning, the two leaders are also expected to exchange views on major regional and international issues of mutual interest, according to Chinese foreign ministry officials.

Both leaders will meet the press later in the day.

Following their summit meeting, officials of the two countries will sign documents on bilateral cooperation.

This year marks the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Australia. In 2006, the two countries agreed to develop a relationship of all-around and mutually beneficial cooperation in the 21st century.

In recent years, cooperation between the two countries has been expanding steadily in a wide range of fields such as economy, trade, energy, environmental protection, culture, science and technology as well as education and tourism.

Hu started his state visit to Australia, the second since 2003,on Monday.

This afternoon, Hu will address the opening ceremony of the APEC Business Summit. He is expected to present China's stand on advancing comprehensive cooperation among the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) members in the pursuit of sustainable development in the region and the world.

On Saturday and Sunday, Hu will attend the Economic Leaders' Meeting of the APEC in Sydney, and meet leaders of other APEC members on the sidelines of the meeting.