On the afternoon of July 25, 2010, visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi held talks with his Austrian counterpart Michael Spindelegger in the Austrian Foreign Ministry.

Yang hailed the sound development of bilateral ties. He said China deems Austria an important cooperative partner in the EU and Central and Eastern Europe and hopes to work with Austria to push bilateral ties to a higher level based on mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit.

Describing Austria-China exchanges and cooperation as effective, Spindelegger said Austria attaches great importance to ties with China and hopes to further enhance friendly cooperation with China.

Both sides agreed to take the opportunity of the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties next year to push for all-round development of bilateral ties.

Both sides agreed to maintain exchanges at high and other levels, expand bilateral trade, boost cooperation in the areas of infrastructure construction, water resources protection, energy saving and environmental protection and personnel training, and promote people-to-people and cultural exchanges. They vowed to work together to ensure the celebrations on the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties a success, enhance consultations and cooperation between the Foreign Ministries of the two countries and coordinate closely on major issues including the UN affairs, climate change and the reform of the international financial system.

The two foreign ministers also exchanged views on the Iranian nuclear issue, the situation on the Korean Peninsula and other issues.

Foreign Minister Yang arrived in Vienna on the noon of July 25, kicking off his three-day visit to Austria.