On September 16, newly appointed Chinese Ambassador to Australia Liu Jinsong went to Government House to present his credentials to Australian Governor-General Sam Mostyn. The two sides had a cordial and friendly exchange. Deputy Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) Elly Lawson, Minister Li Fanjie, Defence Attaché Qiu Xuqiang, and Counsellor Gao Rui of the Chinese Embassy attended the event.
Ambassador Liu first conveyed President Xi Jinping's cordial greetings to Governor-General Mostyn. He said that he was greatly honoured to serve as the 16th Chinese Ambassador to Australia and would live up to the trust placed in him, faithfully fulfill his duties, listen more, learn more and make more friends, actively implement the important common understandings reached by the leaders of the two countries, and continuously deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Australia.
Governor-General Mostyn asked Ambassador Liu to convey her cordial greetings to President Xi Jinping. Governor-General Mostyn expressed her sincere condolences to the Chinese side over mudslide in Gyirong, Xizang, China, and thanked China for its efforts in the search and rescue of Australian personnel unaccounted for. Governor-General Mostyn recalled with pleasure her visit to China 40 years ago, spoke positively of China's development and progress as well as the advancement in Australia-China relations, and said that the Australian side would provide facilitation and support to Ambassador Liu in carrying out his duties. She suggested that Ambassador Liu travel around Australia and visit different places of the country. Governor-General Mostyn also had a relaxed conversation with Ambassador Liu on various topics, including sports.
After the presentation of credentials, Ambassador Liu inspected the Guard of Honour and Band by the Guard Commander.
Ambassador Liu arrived in Australia to take up his new post on August 24. The following day, he presented a copy of his credentials to Elly Lawson, Deputy Secretary of DFAT.