Foreign and Military Affairs

Hu meets Austrian federal chancellor on bilateral ties

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2011-05-06 19:36

BEIJING -- Chinese President Hu Jintao met with Austrian Federal Chancellor Werner Faymann here on Friday, vowing to further boost bilateral cooperation and exchanges in various areas.

Hu hailed the remarkable progress of China-Austria relations since the forging of diplomatic ties 40 years ago, citing frequent high-level visits, expanded trade cooperation and cultural exchanges.

"We appreciate the Austrian government's adherence to the one-China policy, and its focus on developing relations with China," he said.

There are no fundamental differences standing in the way of China-Austria relations, he said, adding that both sides advocate the diversity of civilization and share aspirations to boost cooperation in various areas.

He called on both countries to take the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties as an opportunity to further expand exchanges and cooperation in all fields, enhance consultation on global and regional issues and to build a bright future for friendly, cooperative China-Austria ties.

In response, Faymann said his government was satisfied with the great achievements made through bilateral ties over the past 40 years.

Austria is willing to make joint efforts with China to cement substantial cooperation in areas such as trade, renewable energy, environmental protection, technology, culture and education, he said.

Faymann also pledged to enhance dialogues with China on international and regional affairs and to boost new progress of bilateral ties. <   At the invitation of Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, Faymann arrived in Beijing on Thursday for a three-day official visit to China.