Wu Bangguo (R), chairman of the Standing Committee of the Chinese National People's Congress, meets with Paul Henry Calvert, president of the Australian Senate, in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing June 9, 2004. (Xinhua Photo)

    Parliamentary exchanges between China and Australia will help deepen understanding and friendship between the two peoples and promote regional cooperation, Chairman of China's National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee Wu Bangguo said here Wednesday.

    Wu made the remark during a meeting with Paul Henry Calvert, president of the Senate of the Australian Federal Parliament, in the Great Hall of the People Wednesday afternoon.

    Wu said the current visit of Calvert will further strengthen the relations between NPC and the Australian parliament. Wu welcomes more Australian parliament members to visit China. He said NPC is ready to expand multi-level communications with the Australian parliament through various channels. He expressed the wish that the two sides exchange experience on development of market-oriented legislation and add new impetus to bilateral relations.

    Wu made positive comment on the evolution of bilateral relations, noting that frequent exchange of high-ranking visits has helped deepen political mutual trust and promote cooperation in trade, economy and civil areas.

    Wu said the successful visit of Chinese President Hu Jintao to Australia last October has pushed the Sino-Australian relations toa new stage. He said China is ready to work with Australia to expand the all-round cooperative relations of mutual trust, long-term friendship, mutual benefits and win-win for both peoples.

    Wu said the Taiwan issue concerns with the sovereignty and territorial integrity of China and bears significance on the national feelings of the 1.3 billion Chinese people, including compatriots of Taiwan. He said China appreciates the stance of the Australian government and parliament on one-China policy and their opposition to "Taiwan independence". He said this is not only in the common interests of both countries, but also conducive to the peace and stability of the Asia Pacific region.

    Calvert expressed satisfaction on the momentum of bilateral cooperation in such areas as trade, economy, science, technology, culture, education and raw materials. He reiterated that the Australian government and parliament's stance on sticking to the one-China policy has never been and will not be changed. Enditem