Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday cheered relationships with Australiasignalling Beijing’s interest in repairing soured relations.

What happened: Xi sent a message to the governor-general David Hurley to mark Australia day and said relations between the two countries were going in the “right direction”. reported Bloomberg.

The Chinese president struck a positive tone ahead of a meeting of senior trade officials from both countries, which is expected to take place in the coming months. Xi said he attaches “great importance to the development of relations between the two countries.”

See also: Bill Gates is investing in an Australian startup trying to stop cows from burping methane to help fight climate change

“The two countries have reviewed the past and looked to the future, and actively sought the right direction to improve and expand China-Australia ties,” Xi said.

Troubled China-Australia relations have gradually improved since the election of the centre-left Prime Minister-led Labor government in May Anton Albanese.

Learn more about Benzinga’s coverage in Europe and Asia at the following this link.

Previously predecessor of Under Albanese Scott MorrisonChina had imposed trade sanctions on Australian exports after demanding an international origin investigation COVID-19.

Meanwhile Australian Trade Minister Don Farell is expected to meet his Chinese counterpart Wang Wentao for trade talks in the first half of 2023.

continue reading: Bill Gates on long-term approach to climate change says you can call Putin in 10 years and tell him you don’t need him.