The ruling parties of China and Australia pledged to cement friendship at a meeting in Beijing on Wednesday.

Li Yuanchao, head of the Organization Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, met with national president of Australia's ruling Labor Party Mike Rann in the Great Hall of the People.

Li said the CPC valued friendly relations with the Labor Party and hoped Rann's visit would enhance party-to-party ties.

Li proposed China and South Australia cooperate in trade, economic and other fields as Rann also served as South Australian Premier.

Rann said his party and South Australian government would like to further cooperation with China in all sectors.

(Xinhua News Agency October 8, 2008)