Wen meets Cambodian PM 

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao met in Beijing on Friday with the Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, hailing for the long-standing friendship of the two nations and hoping for further cooperation.

The year of 2008 not only marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Sino-Cambodian diplomatic relations, but also is celebrated as the Year of China-Cambodia Friendship.

China was willing to take the opportunity to work with Cambodia to enhance the exchanges and cooperation between the two countries so as to lift the China-Cambodia relations to a new stage, said Wen.

China would continue to support the economic development of Cambodia and to promote the key cooperation projects, especially in the infrastructure facilities construction on transportation and communication, he said.

On the Friendship Year, Hun Sen said the related celebrations cemented the traditional friendship of the two peoples and the Cambodian people appreciated China's long-term aid.

Cambodia hoped China will continue to support its economic development and further cooperation in water resources projects and infrastructure facilities construction, he said.

The Cambodian Prime Minister arrived in Beijing on Thursday afternoon to attend the two-day seventh Asia-Europe Meeting starting from Friday.

Wen meets Austrian Federal Chancellor 

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (R) meets with Austrian Federal Chancellor Alfred Gusenbauer who is in Beijing to attend the seventh summit of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) on October 24, 2008. [Xinhua]

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao met in Beijing on Friday with Austrian Federal Chancellor Alfred Gusenbauer.

Wen said that China cherished the friendship with Austria and appreciated the positive attitude from the Austrian side for strengthening cooperation with China.

Further pushing forward the Chinese-Austrian relations under new circumstances would meet mutual benefits, which is one important factor contributing to a closer Asia-Europe relations, Wen said.

Wen said he hopes the two countries to increase dialogues at various levels in order to enhance mutual understanding and trust.

Wen also said Austria, with advanced technologies and know-how on environmental protection, energy saving and eco-agriculture, could find a bright future in the Chinese market.

With the spirit of mutual benefits and a win-win target, Wen said, the two sides should proceed with more practical cooperation.

One highlight of the bilateral cooperation was on the cultural exchange, which had been welcomed by both Chinese and Austrian people, Wen said, citing that the two should promote such an exchange.

Gusenbauer said Austria attaches great importance to the relationship with China and hopes to keep high-profile exchange with the Chinese side.

Austria also hopes to strengthen cooperation in politics, trade and economy, science and technology, culture, and education, timely exchanging views on major international issues, such as financial crises and climate change.

Gusenbauer said Austria would make further contribution to a better Europe-China relation.

(Xinhua News Agency October 24, 2008)