Chinese president arrives in Vienna for state visit to Austria

Chinese President Hu Jintao arrived in Vienna Sunday for a state visit to Austria. In a statement released upon his arrival at the airport, President Hu said he is glad to visit Austria at the invitation of his Austrian counterpart Heinz Fischer. "Relations between the two countries are in the best period in history," he said, noting that this year marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. President Hu said leaders of the two countries have kept frequent contacts and exchanges, as the two sides have maintained strong and active momentum in their trade and cultural ties, and have carried out sound consultation and coordination on international affairs. "China attaches great importance to its relations with Austria," he said, adding that China is ready to work with Austria to create an even better future of the bilateral ties. "I'm looking forward to having in-depth exchange of views with Austrian leaders on strengthening all-round cooperation between China and Austria and other issues of common concern," President Hu said. The Chinese leader said he will also have extensive contacts with people from various walks of life in Austria so as to uplift the China-Austria friendly and cooperative relations to a new stage. During President Hu's visit to Austria, the two sides will sign seven intergovernmental framework agreements, covering economy and trade, environmental protection, water conservancy, education and culture, according to Chinese diplomats. China is currently Austria's largest trade partner outside the European Union with two-way trade topping 6 billion U.S. dollars in 2010 and securing a rise of 18.4 percent year-on-year in the first eight months of 2011. To mark the 40th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations, the two side are jointly rolling out more than 200 cultural and art events in both countries this year. President Hu's visit is the first made by a Chinese head of state to Austria over the past 12 years. During his stay, Hu is expected to meet with his Austrian counterpart Heinz Fischer, Chancellor Werner Faymann and other Austrian leaders on ways to strengthen bilateral ties.. The Chinese president will also visit a number of cultural and historical sites during his two-leg trip in Austria, which will also bring him to Saltzburg. Following his Austria trip, Hu will travel to France to attend the summit of the Group of Twenty (G20), slated for Nov. 3-4 in Cannes. At the meeting, the G20 leaders are expected to address the major problems affecting the world economic recovery and the stability of the global financial market, including the eurozone debt crisis, the reform of the international monetary system, the reinforcement of financial regulation, the fight against commodity price volatility, and the development issue. The leaders will work out strategies in a bid to halt the downturn of the global economy and achieve financial stability.