SYDNEY -- Chinese and Australian leaders have vowed to enhance bilateral relations to achieve a healthy and sustained development.

The pledge was made here Saturday during a meeting between Liu Qibao, head of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, and Australian Governor General Peter Cosgrove.

China-Australia relations have achieved a leaping development in the past few years and now have come to a threshold where new opportunities have emerged, Liu said, calling on the two countries to further boost bilateral relations at a strategic level through more communications and enhanced understanding.

Liu said both countries should respect each other's core national interests and greatest concern, continue to deepen political trust and expand the areas of cooperation.

The two countries also should promote people to people communications and cooperation so as to achieve a healthy and sustained development of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between them.

Cosgrove said Liu's visit is expected to promote a better understanding by Australians from all walks of life of the opportunities presented by China's development, especially in the areas of trade, media and tourism.

During his visit, Liu attended the dialogue with sinologists in Australia where he suggested that Australian sinologists have more communications with their Chinese counterparts and research institutions.

Liu also attended a signing ceremony of six agreements between Chinese media organizations and Australian institutions including a university, a publishing company and a number of media groups.

Liu is here on a two-day visit to Australia starting Friday.