BEIJING, Nov. 17  -- China Eastern Airlines has announced a partnership agreement with Australian carrier Qantas Group to provide better travel services for passengers between the two countries.

The deal was signed on Monday by Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce and China Eastern Airlines general manager Liu Shaoyong in Australia, said China Eastern, a major Chinese carrier based in Shanghai.

Through the new partnership, the two airlines will carry out cooperation on joint marketing and airport services, with the ultimate goal to open up new routes between the two countries.

"We're looking forward to working more closely with China Eastern to bring together our complementary networks and enhance the options for the increasing number of Qantas customers travelling to Shanghai and beyond," said Joyce.

China is now the second largest source of tourists for Australia. Collaboration between the two companies can offer more convenient and comfortable travel experience for travellers, said Liu.