CANBERRA - Li Changchun, a senior official of the Communist Party of China (CPC), arrived in Canberra, capital of Australia, to kick off his four-nation trip Friday evening.

Li, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, conveyed sincere greeting and friendly wishes to the Australian people in a written statement delivered at the airport.

Li visited Australia again after an interval of 12 years. He highly spoke of the increasing political mutual trust and fruitful cooperation between the two countries.

"China-Australian relationship has set an example of friendly co-existence and mutually beneficial cooperation among countries of different social systems," he said.

During his stay, Li is expected to meet with Australian Federal Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and other political officials. He is expected to exchange views with the Australian side on bilateral ties and ways to combat the financial crisis.

"I believe the visit can expand consensus, deepen cooperation and promote development," he said in the statement.

Australia is the first-leg of Li's four-nation tour which will also take him to Myanmar, Republic of Korea and Japan.