Messages highlight ties with Austria, Suriname

China and Austria, both as promoters of world peace, supporters of multilateralism and defenders of free trade, should jointly uphold mutual respect, trust, openness, inclusiveness and win-win cooperation in a fluid and turbulent world, President Xi Jinping said on Thursday.

Xi made the remarks when exchanging congratulatory messages with Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen to mark the 55th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

Xi said in his message that since the two countries established diplomatic ties, China-Austria relations have braved winds and rains, maintaining sound and steady development.

He recalled that in 2018, when Van der Bellen paid a state visit to China, they jointly established the China-Austria friendly strategic partnership, opening a new chapter in bilateral relations.

Last May, he added, a new pair of "panda ambassadors" made their public debut in the Austrian capital of Vienna, further deepening the friendship between the two peoples.

Noting that he attaches great importance to the development of bilateral ties, Xi expressed his willingness to work with Van der Bellen to take the 55th anniversary as an opportunity to elevate China-Austria relations to a new level and make greater contributions to world peace and development.

Van der Bellen said that over the past 55 years, bilateral cooperation has been deepening, with frequent exchanges in fields such as culture, education, scientific research and the economy. The foundation of bilateral friendship has been continuously solidified, he said.

At a time when the world becomes volatile and unstable, it is particularly important for Austria and China to maintain extensive exchanges, jointly safeguard stability and enhance mutual understanding, Van der Bellen added.

On Thursday, Xi also exchanged congratulations with Surinamese President Jennifer Simons on the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

In his message, Xi said that over the past half-century, the two countries have always respected each other and treated each other as equals, firmly supporting each other on issues concerning their respective core interests and major concerns.

Noting that he attaches great importance to the development of China-Suriname relations, Xi said that he is willing to work with Simons to take the 50th anniversary as a new starting point to enhance strategic mutual trust, carry forward the traditional friendship, promote more achievements in practical cooperation across various fields, and jointly write a new chapter in the China-Suriname strategic partnership of cooperation.

Simons hailed the development of bilateral ties over the past 50 years, expressing the hope that both countries will further strengthen unity, and deepen and expand cooperation in the next 50 years to realize their shared vision of prosperity and development.

caodesheng@chinadaily.com.cn