President Hu Jintao Visits the Austrailan Pavilion
Shanghai: On Friday 15 January, Chinese President Hu Jintao visited the Australian pavilion as part of his official inspection of the Shanghai World Expo’s site preparations.
The Australian pavilion was the only international pavilion included in the President's tour.
After viewing China's national pavilion and core venues on the expo site, President Hu visited the Australian pavilion where he spent nearly half an hour viewing the striking, three-storey building and engaging and informative exhibitions. He also took the time to meet and shake hands with many of the Australian and Chinese workers on-site.
"We are honoured by the President's visit to our pavilion," said Australia's Commissioner-General for the Shanghai World Expo 2010, Ms Lyndall Sachs.
"Australia has consistently led the way among international participants, achieving a series of construction ‘firsts’ since work began on the site in December 2008. We are delighted that President Hu was able to see first-hand the calibre of our pavilion’s design, and also our exhibitions, many of which have already been installed", Ms Sachs said.
"Australia's strong commitment to the Shanghai World Expo 2010 reflects the importance the Australian government places on the Australia-China relationship,” said Ms Sachs.
"We look forward to President Hu Jintao and other dignitaries visiting our completed pavilion later in the year, and to welcoming more than seven million visitors over the six-months of the expo.”
For further information, images and footage please contact:
Simon Webb
Communications Director (Australia)
Tel +61 (0) 400 114 631
Janet Tsai
Communications Director (China)
Tel +86 138 1898 6516