Li Qiang holds talks with Austrian Chancellor Stockel

China News Service, Beijing, November 6. On the morning of November 6, Chinese Premier Li Qiang held talks at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing with Austrian Chancellor Stockel, who was in China for an official visit.

Li Qiang said that this year marks the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Austria. In the past more than half a century, the two sides have adhered to mutual respect, mutual trust, open cooperation, and mutual benefit, promoting the sustained development of bilateral relations and achieving fruitful cooperation results. Currently, the world economy is struggling to recover due to the effects of repeated geopolitical conflicts and the rise of unilateralism and protectionism. As both supporters and beneficiaries of multilateralism and free trade, China and Austria should firmly promote open cooperation to add impetus to their respective development and inject positive energy into the world economy. President Xi Jinping will meet with Mr. Prime Minister to make planning and guidance on deepening China-Austria relations and cooperation. China is willing to strengthen dialogue and communication with Austria, consolidate political mutual trust, respect each other's core interests and major concerns, expand all-round cooperation, and bring more tangible benefits to the two peoples.

Li Qiang pointed out that China is willing to share more market opportunities with Austria, import more high-quality Austrian goods, promote the continuous expansion and improvement of bilateral trade, expand cooperation in new energy, artificial intelligence, digital economy, advanced manufacturing and other fields, and strive for more practical results. China supports more Chinese companies to invest in Austria and hopes that Austria will provide a fair, just and non-discriminatory business environment for companies. The two sides should strengthen exchanges and cooperation in the fields of culture, tourism, education and other fields, intensify two-way personnel exchanges, and continuously enhance mutual understanding and friendship. It is hoped that Austria, as an EU member state, will continue to play an active role in promoting the EU to adhere to a rational and pragmatic policy towards China. China is willing to strengthen cooperation with Austria in the United Nations and other multilateral fields to jointly promote world peace and prosperity.

Stockel said that since the establishment of diplomatic relations 55 years ago, Austria-China relations have always maintained a positive momentum of development. This year, the two sides have had close high-level exchanges, economic and trade cooperation has continued to deepen, and people-to-people and cultural exchanges have become more active. China is one of Austria's most important trading partners. Under the current complex and turbulent international situation, Austria is committed to promoting the friendly strategic partnership between the two countries and is willing to enhance mutual understanding with China, deepen practical cooperation in the fields of economy and trade, artificial intelligence, investment, tourism, culture and other fields, and strengthen communication and coordination at the United Nations and other multilateral platforms. Austria advocates strengthening dialogue and consultation in the spirit of mutual trust and is willing to make active efforts to promote the development of EU-China relations.

After the talks, the two prime ministers jointly witnessed the signing of a number of cooperation documents such as economy, trade, and social security.

Before the talks, Li Qiang held a welcome ceremony for Stockel in the North Hall of the Great Hall of the People.

Wu Zhenglong participated in the above activities.