Visiting Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing and Austrian leaders vowed in Vienna on Friday to boost the relations between China and Austria.

 

Li met with Austrian President Heinz Fischer and Austrian Chancellor Wolfgang Schuessel. He also held talks with Austrian Foreign Minister Ursula Plassnik.

 

While praising the smooth development of relations between China and Austria, Li said China will join hands with Austria to launch the "China Year" in Austria, in a bid to mark the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.

 

He also called for more cooperation in fields such as telecommunication, environment protection, science and technology, culture, tourism and energy.

 

Austrian leaders said they are willing to see more cooperation with China in a wide range of fields, especially in energy and environment protection.

 

The leaders agreed that Austria, which holds the rotating presidency of the EU during the first half of this year, will play a proactive role in boosting the relations between China and the 25-member bloc.

 

(Xinhua News Agency February 5, 2006)