Chinese, Austrian foreign ministers hold talks in Beijing

Chinese top diplomat Wang Yi held talks with Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger in Beijing on Thursday.

Noting that this year marks the 55th anniversary of diplomatic ties, Wang, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, said the steady development of China-Austria relations has been built on mutual respect, equality, openness and mutually beneficial cooperation. 

He called for maintaining high-level exchanges, respecting each other's core interests and expanding practical cooperation.

China congratulates Austria on being elected to a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council, Wang said, adding that China stands ready to strengthen coordination with Austria, uphold the authority of the UN, support multilateralism and free trade, and improve global governance. 

He also stressed that China and Europe are partners rather than rivals and said China's development presents opportunities, not challenges, for Europe.

Meinl-Reisinger said Austria highly values its relations with China and will continue to adhere to the one-China policy. She said Austria is willing to use the 55th anniversary of diplomatic ties as an opportunity to enhance strategic dialogue and expand cooperation in areas including trade, investment and green development.

Austrian companies are willing to deepen their presence in the Chinese market and participate in China's modernization drive, Meinl-Reisinger added. She also expressed support for candid dialogue between Europe and China and for the stable development of EU-China relations.

The two sides also exchanged views on the Ukraine crisis and the situation in the Middle East.

(Cover: National flags of Austria and China. /VCG)