Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd sends his warm congratulation to China and the Chinese people on the 60th anniversary of the People's Republic of China.

"I would like to warmly congratulate China and its people on the 60th anniversary of the People's Republic of China." said Rudd as written in a Chinese press release from the PM's office Wednesday.

"China has registered huge achievements in the past 60 years through hard work and high resolution and lifted hundreds of millions of people above poverty line." he said.

Noting that China has opened up and is embracing the world, Rudd said "it has become nowadays a major drive for global economic increase and a key participant in dealing with international challenges such as global financial crisis and climate change."

He said Australia and China share a profound and solid foundation in bilateral relations based on mutual benefit and mutual respect.

"Since the ground-breaking diplomatic relations established in 1972, we are pleased to see Australia becoming an important partner of China with our trading relations and investment developing at notable pace and civil exchanges in education and culture increasing with each passing day."

Pleased to see that the people to people exchanges between Australia and China have been increasing constantly, he said bilateral cooperation has also recorded fast development. "Under the multilateral regimes such as G20, Australia and China are addressing to global concerns with joint efforts where the two have many common interests."

"I believe the close relations between us will grow constantly." said Rudd.

(Xinhua News Agency October 2, 2009)