Top political advisor of China Jia Qinglin on Monday called for closer exchanges and cooperation with Australia in economy and trade.

Jia, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, made the appeal in a meeting with Barry O'Farrell, premier of New South Wales (NSW) of Australia.

Jia praised the sound Sino-Australian ties, highlighting deepening political trust, substantial cooperation, booming people-to-people exchanges and close coordination and cooperation on major international and regional issues.

"As two important countries in the Asia-Pacific region, China and Australia share broad common interests in safeguarding regional peace and stability and in promoting common development," Jia said.

Jia praised NSW's economic advantages and urged closer economic ties between the region and its Chinese partners.

O'Farrell agreed with Jia, pledging further cooperation with China in various fields.