China hopes Austria to extend bilateral ties

China hopes that the parliament of Austria will continue efforts for pushing forward Sino-Austrian ties and listen to and understand China's stance on Taiwan and Tibet, a senior Chinese official said in Beijing Friday.

Jia Qinglin, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), told Barbara Parammer, second president of the National Council of Austrian Parliament, that China appreciates Austria's adherence to the one-China policy.

Jia, also chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), said China is satisfied with the growth of the relationship between the two countries.

China and Austria established full diplomatic relations 33 years ago. Jia said China considers Austria an important partner of China in Europe. China is willing to strengthen ties on the basis of mutual benefit and respect.

In addition, Jia said the exchange between the Austrian parliament and the National People's Congress (NPC) of China and the CPPCC have helped consolidate the friendship between the two countries.

Parammer said the parliament and government of Austria hope to expand it relationship with China, considering that China plays anever greater role in world affairs. She hopes the two sides will further cooperation in culture and other areas.

On Thursday, Austrian President Heinz Fischer said in Vienna when meeting Wang Zhaoguo, vice-chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, that his country is willing to further strengthen relations with China, especially in scientific and cultural cooperation.

Fischer also said his country's stance on the one-China policy is clear and unshakable.

Source: Xinhua