SYDNEY, Australia, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Visiting Chinese President Hu Jintao and Australian Prime Minister John Howard met here Thursday to discuss the development of bilateral relationship of all-round cooperation.

    During their talks in the morning, the two leaders are also expected to exchange views on major regional and international issues of mutual interest, according to Chinese foreign ministry officials.

    Following the summit meeting, officials of the two countries will sign documents on bilateral cooperation.

    The two leaders will meet the press later in the day.