Visiting top legislator Wu Bangguo said in Canberra Tuesday that China values its relationship with Australia and stands ready for increased cooperation between the two countries. 

During a meeting with Australian Governor-General Michael Jeffery, Wu, chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, said China and Australia, the two important countries in the Asia-Pacific, have neither historical grievance nor conflicts of fundamental interests.

"On the contrary, our two countries share broad common interests," said Wu, who is on an official goodwill visit. Deepened comprehensive relations of cooperation between the two countries have not only brought tangible benefits to the two peoples, but are conducive to peace and development in the Asia-Pacific and the world at large, he said.

China attaches great importance to its relationship with Australia and is ready to make concerted efforts for the steady growth in bilateral relations of cooperation, Wu said.

Jeffery said Australia-China friendship has been deeply rooted in the peoples of the two countries. He said he is looking forward to visiting China again later this year. Jeffery last visited China in 1999.

On the same day, Wu also met with Kim Beazley, leader of the opposition Labor Party.

The Australian Labor Party has a traditional friendly relationship with China, Wu said, adding that in 1972, the Labor government led by then Prime Minister Edward Whitlam made a historic decision to set up diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China. "We will never forget our old friends," Wu said.

Beazley said the Labor Party, whether in power or in opposition, always attaches great importance to the development of relations with China, adheres to the one-China policy and opposes "Taiwan independence."

Wu said the Communist Party of China is ready for close contact and exchanges and enhanced cooperation with the Labor Party. He expressed the hope that the Labor Party would continue to play a positive role in promoting the development of comprehensive relations of cooperation between the two countries.

Wu leaves on Wednesday for New Zealand, the third leg of his four-nation Asia-Pacific tour, which will also take him to Malaysia. The first top of his current trip was Singapore.

(Xinhua News Agency May 25, 2005)