Presidents of China and Austria on Wednesday witnessed the signing of a package of deals and vowed to uplift bilateral relationship.

"China would like to work with Austria to bring relationship to a new high," Chinese President Hu Jintao told visiting Austrian President Heinz Fischer.

Chinese President Hu Jintao (L) and Austrian President Heinz Fischer inspect the guard of honour in Beijing, China, Jan. 20, 2010. Fischer arrived here Tuesday noon for a four-day state visit to China. [Li Tao/Xinhua]

In their hour-long talks at the Great Hall of the People, Hu reviewed the development of bilateral relations since China and Austria forged diplomatic relations in 1971.

"China and Austria witnessed deepening and growing ties," Hu said, citing expanded cooperation in economy, trade, investment, science and technology and culture.

Fischer echoed Hu's views, saying China had become an important cooperation partner of Austria.

Fischer said Austria was satisfied with ties with China, as bilateral trade increased steadily last year despite the international financial crisis.

China-Austria trade hit 4.33 billion U.S. dollars from January to November in 2009, according to China's Customs.

This was Fischer's first state visit to China since he took office in July 2004.

Fischer's entourage included more than 60 officials in health, defense, sports, business, commerce, banking, among others, and around 120 business executives.

Fischer expressed condolences over the death of eight Chinese peacekeeping police officers in a 7.3-magnitude earthquake in Haiti last week. Their bodies were returned to Beijing Tuesday.

Hu called the eight peacekeepers "excellent children of Chinese nation and loyal guards of world peace," and said Chinese people felt grieved about their suffering.

Though China and Haiti have not established diplomatic relations, China dispatched an international rescue team to the Caribbean nation and offered emergency reliefs and funds, Hu said.

"China would work with the international community to support Haiti's relief efforts and post-quake reconstruction," Hu said.

Chinese President Hu Jintao (R) shakes hands with Austrian President Heinz Fischer in Beijing, China, Jan. 20, 2010. Fischer arrived here Tuesday noon for a four-day state visit to China. [Lan Hongguang/Xinhua]

Hu appreciated the Austrian government's adherence to the one-China policy and commitment to developing positive ties with China.

Looking to the future, Hu proposed both leadership maintain close contacts, governments and legislatures expand communication in a bid to deepen political trust.

On the economic front, Hu said both countries should make use of their own advantages and expand cooperation. He encouraged both sides to explore new ways of collaboration and foster new areas of growth.

"Both sides should increase the contacts between business councils so as to boost the cooperation between small and medium-sized enterprises."

He called for joint efforts to stand against trade and investment protectionism and provide a legal guarantee for expanded mutual investment.

In response, Fischer said Austria welcomed the visit of Chinese business promotion delegation. He also encouraged both countries to step up aviation cooperation.

Hu proposed both countries work more closely in culture, education, tourism, think tank and media, promoting dialogues between different cultures.

"As next year will mark the 40th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties, China would like to work with Austria to prepare celebrations," Hu said.

Hu also pledged to cooperate more with Austria on international and regional issues.

Fischer said Austria would like to play a positive role in promoting ties between Europe and China.

At the end of talks, the two presidents witnessed the signing of five deals in public health, quality quarantine, science and technology, personnel training and Chinese teaching.