Wang Yi: China-Austria ties reach new milestone

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The bilateral relations between China and Austria has reached a new milestone, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Monday, adding that China is willing to cooperate with Austria to safeguard the openness in world economy.

Wang made the remarks when meeting with his Austrian counterpart Karin Kneissl, who is currently visiting China.

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi meets with Austrian Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl in Beijing, April 9, 2018. /Photo via fmprc.gov.cn

Invited by Xi, Austrian President Van der Bellen headed a large delegation on his state visit to China, which included Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, four cabinet ministers, and members of the business community.

During a meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and the visiting Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen on Sunday, two leaders have agreed to establish a Sino-Austrian friendly strategic partnership and advance bilateral pragmatic cooperation.

Wang noted that both leaders made top-level designs for bilateral relations and reached a consensus on several issues, meaning there is great potential for the two countries' cooperation.

Wang hoped Austria will actively push the development of Sino-European relations, while also supporting and participating in collaborations between China and Eastern European countries. China and Austria should oppose protectionism together and safeguard the openness of the world economy, Wang added.

Kneissl said Austria is willing to implement the consensus reached between the two leaders, and pushing forward the development of the Sino-Austrian friendly strategic partnership.