Li Changchun, a senior official of the Communist Party of China (CPC), praised the role of New South Wales, the most developed state in Australia, in pushing forward the development of Sino-Australian relationship?in Sydney?on Sunday.

Marie Bashir (L), Australian acting governor-general and New South Wales State governor, meets with Li Changchun, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, in Sydney, Australia, March 22, 2009. [Liu Jiansheng/Xinhua]

While meeting Australian acting Governor-General and New South Wales State governor Marie Bashir, Li, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, said he was pleased to see the expansion of mutual benefits and cooperation in all fields between China and NSW following the all-round development of bilateral ties between both countries.

"NSW is characterized with rich resources, developed economy, advanced science and technology and multi-culture, and is the state in the country in which Chinese companies have invested most," said Li, who is in Australia on a five-day visit.

He also said that the friendly exchange, mutual benefits and cooperation are the important basis and driving force of the all-around development of the two countries and he hoped to see the further development of bilateral economic and trade cooperation, cultural exchange and people-to-people friendship which help to push forward the friendly relations of the two countries.

Marie Bashir (L), Australian acting governor-general and New South Wales State governor, meets with Li Changchun, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, in Sydney, Australia, March 22, 2009. [Liu Jiansheng/Xinhua]

Bashir told Li that she has visited China many times since 1974and witnessed the profound changes in China over the past 30 years. She said she always believed that the friendly cooperation in all sectors is the major factor in enhancing the peaceful development in the Asia-Pacific region.

On the same day, Li also visited the Australian office of China's Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd in Sydney and encouraged the Chinese companies like Huawei which are marching towards the global market to overcome the difficulties caused by the global financial crisis, strengthen cooperation with foreign countries, expand market sales and make faster development.

Li arrived in Australia on Friday. Australia is the first-leg of Li's four-nation tour which will also take him to Myanmar, the Republic of Korea and Japan.

Marie Bashir (L), Australian acting governor-general and New South Wales State governor, meets with Li Changchun, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, in Sydney, Australia, March 22, 2009. [Liu Jiansheng/Xinhua]

(Xinhua News Agency March 23, 2009)