Top lawmaker Wu Bangguo said in Beijing Thursday that China attaches great importance to its relations with Austria and is ready to take the relationship to a new level.

Wu told Andreas Khol, president of the National Council of Austria, that China appreciated Austria's adherence to the one-China policy and hopes that Austria would support China's efforts in realizing national reunification.

Wu, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), hailed China-Austria ties, saying that the two enjoyed deep political trust, close economic cooperation and vibrant cultural exchanges.

He said he hoped Khol's visit to China would further the friendly exchanges between the NPC and the Austrian parliament to enrich the content of China-Austria relations.

Khol said the Austrian government and parliament values Austria-China ties. He said Austria firmly abides by the one-China policy and opposes Taiwan's independence.

Wu also briefed Khol on China's economic development, legal system building and the country's principles on issues including human rights, Taiwan and Tibet.

(Xinhua News Agency October 28, 2005)