State Councilor Hua Jianmin on Monday met with Australian Deputy Prime Minister Mark Vaile, pledging to advance the ties between the two countries.

 

"China-Australia relations are their best," Hua told Vaile, also leader of the Australian National Party.

 

Hua said the political trust between China and Australia has enhanced and the cooperation in various fields have stepped up in recent years.

 

The relations between the two countries have been "flourishing in recent years," Vaile said, stressing the two countries enjoyed "multi-facet" relations.

 

As next year will mark the 35th anniversary of the establishment of China-Australia diplomatic ties, Hua said he hoped the two countries will take this an opportunity to boost the all-round cooperation.

 

"Next year will be a good year to celebrate," Vaile agreed.

 

Hua and Vaile also exchanged views on bilateral trade relations and agriculture.

 

Vaile visited China as guest of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China.

 

(Xinhua News Agency December 19, 2006)