Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on Friday took a telephone call from Australian counterpart Julia Gillard to discuss views on bilateral political and trade relations.

Wen congratulated Gillard on the return of her government after the recent election.

He said the bilateral ties between the two countries had kept sound momentum for further development, and bilateral trade had survived the global financial crisis and become closer and more vigorous.

Wen said the two sides had broad common benefits in safeguarding regional peace and stability and promoting sustainable development.

He added that China was willing to maintain high-level contacts with Australia, enhance mutual understanding, expand mutually beneficial cooperation and advance the bilateral relations to a higher level.

Gillard expressed her gratitude to Wen, saying the newly formed Australian government attached great importance to bilateral relations and was willing to continue to develop their relationship under the principles of mutual respect and mutual benefits.

She said Australia would like to deepen trade and bilateral contacts at all levels, reinforce coordination and cooperation in multi-lateral organizations, including the G20, with a view to jointly facing global challenges and better benefiting the two peoples.