Different cultures join to pursue shared goals

By Zhao Bin | China Daily | Updated: 2016-05-27 08:12

Austria established formal diplomatic relations with China on May 28, 1971, becoming one of the first Western countries to do so. Over the past 45 years, the two countries' relations have been fruitful and benefited both Austrian and Chinese people.

China became Austria's fifth-largest trade partner in 2015, with a bilateral trade volume roughly 300 times the figure in 1971, and there were 18 pairs of sister provinces or cities in the two countries.

China has opened two Confucius Institutes in Austria and more than 3,000 Chinese students are studying in the country.

Each year, Chinese tourists make more than 700,000 overnight stays in Austria. Travel is becoming easier with Air China and Austrian Airlines flights to Vienna from both Beijing and Shanghai.

The two countries are facing new historic opportunities in relations as China and Europe are dedicated to promoting a full strategic partnership, implementing the China-EU 2020 Strategic Agenda for Cooperation, the Belt and Road Initiative, and the 16+1 cooperation.

Austria's location at the heart of Europe, its history, tradition and economy have made the country a pioneer capable of playing an important role in Sino-EU cooperation. We are convinced that Sino-Austria cooperation offers tremendous potential for the future.

According to a Chinese saying, "It's easy for people to meet but it's more precious to know each other and even become heartfelt friends".

Our two countries are different in economic size, social systems, histories and cultures, but as long as we seek common ground while maintaining our differences, and promote exchanges and cooperation at different levels on the basis of mutual respect, equality, and the win-win principle, we will see greater development in our relations as well as benefits to our countries and peoples.

The writer is the Chinese ambassador to Austria.