On September 20, 2002, Premier Zhu Rongji met with Austrian Federal President Thomas Klestil and the two sides held cordial and friendly talks.

Zhu conveyed President Jiang Zemin's greetings to Klestil and voiced his appreciation for Klestil's active position on developing relations with China and his unremitting efforts over past years, since he has visited China three times as an old friend of the Chinese people. Zhu talked about the substantial development of Sino-Austrian relations, saying that  leaders of the two countries attach importance to bilateral relations and they have kept constant contacts and exchanges. The two countries enjoy strong complementarity in economy and smooth cooperation of mutual benefit. Meanwhile, Sino-Austrian friendship is deep-rooted in the hearts of the two peoples and to further bilateral friendship and cooperation is the common aspiration of both peoples.

Zhu said that he has just concluded his good talks with Chancellor Schuessel. During the talks, both sides proposed good suggestions and ideas on the future development of bilateral relations. He believed that Sino-Austrian friendly relations and cooperation can achieve even greater progress on the current basis.

Klestil extended a warm welcome to Premier Zhu and asked him to convey his good wishes to President Jiang Zemin. He said that Austria positively evaluates the development of bilateral relations and reiterated Austria's One China policy. He also said that it is a common view shared by all parties of Austria to develop relations with China, although there have been domestic political changes in Austria.

During the talks, both sides exchanged views on international issues.

Zhu said that the present international situation is complicated and changes constantly, and that factors of uncertainty in international relations are on the increase. Therefore, to safeguard peace and promote development requires common efforts by the international community. He stressed that the Chinese side will further strengthen cooperation with Austria in international affairs.

Klestil noted that Austria advocates the development of multi-polarity in the world, and Austria has common views with China on many issues. He stressed that it is in the common interests of both sides to further strengthen their cooperation.

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