Recovery of the Australian economy hindered by financial crisis could hardly be seen without prosperity of the Chinese economy, said Australian parliament late Monday.
In a discussion with Chen Zhili, visiting vice chairperson of the Standing Committee of National People's Congress, China's top legislative body, President of the Senate John Hogg and Speaker of the House Harry Jenkins expressed priority on further relation with China.
Australia's willingness of promoting free trade negotiations with China stands affirm, they said, adding further collaborations in the fields of economy and trade, forestry, environment protection as well as regular dialogues on both global and regional issues are energetically encouraged by parliament.
Chen responded with optimistic appreciation on current bilateral relations, saying the more touches of respective senior staff, the much trust and confidence will be fostered within each other and, hopefully, the bilateral relation will grow.
Chen said dialogues with the Australian parliament is an indivisible component of an all-rounded collaboration and communication between the two countries.
She encourages more friendly contacts of various levels and via different channels, especially civil contacts, on the basis of mutual respect and mutual benefits. Therefore, she said, a mutually understanding and trustworthy friendship would be cultivated and enhanced.
Chen, who arrived here on May 20, is visiting Australia at the invitation of the Australian Federal parliament. She will leave here to visit New Zealand on Tuesday.
(Xinhua News Agency May 26, 2009)
