Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Dejiang on Wednesday called for closer cooperation between European aviation group Airbus and Chinese companies.

While meeting with Tom Enders, president and CEO of Airbus, Zhang said China's civil aviation market develops rapidly and enjoys a broad potential, and China is ready to expand cooperation with Airbus in purchase, industrial subcontract, research and exploration.

He also briefed Enders about China's quake relief work, and expressed appreciation on behalf of the Chinese government for Airbus' donation of five million yuan for the relief work.

Enders briefed Zhang about Airbus' plans and arrangements for future cooperation with China.

(Xinhua News Agency May 22, 2008)