On May 5, 2011, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao held talks with Austrian Federal Chancellor Werner Faymann at the Great Hall of the People.

Wen said since the establishment of diplomatic ties 40 years ago, bilateral relations have achieved substantial progress, which has brought about tangible benefits to both sides and contributed to China-EU cooperation. Both China and Austria love peace and respect the development path and major concerns chosen by each other's countries. The two countries are ready to enhance pragmatic cooperation based on the spirit of mutual benefit and win-win outcome and advocate democratization of international relations and development of multi-polar world. These important consensuses are the foundation of furthering bilateral ties. In the new situation, China and Austria share broader common interests. Wen urged both sides to adhere to the right direction, enhance high-level exchanges, keep close contacts on bilateral and major international issues and make full use of the bilateral consultation mechanisms to push forward exchanges and cooperation in an all-round manner.

"We are ready to make joint efforts with Austria to achieve the balance and diversification of trade as well as sustainable growth," Wen added. He vowed to double the country's trade volume with Austria in five years. He also called on Austria to expand investment in China, and in particular, the country's central and western regions. The Chinese premier pledged to encourage Chinese companies to develop in Austria and participate in the economic construction of central and eastern Europe together with Austria, and support enhanced bilateral cooperation in energy saving, environmental protection, renewable energy, modern manufacturing and high technology.

Wen pointed out that China-Austria cultural exchanges are fruitful and a sound situation marked by government guidance, public participation, government funding and commercial operation has been formed. China is ready to expand exchanges and cooperation with Austria on culture, trade, radio and television, publishing and education. With regard to the serial celebrations of 40th anniversary of China-Austria ties, the two leaders agreed to make joint efforts to ensure the celebration activities to go according to plan in a bid to inject new vitality into mutual understanding and friendship between both peoples.

Faymann said since the establishment of diplomatic ties 40 years ago, bilateral cooperation has been deepening continuously in all areas, adding it is of vital importance for Austria to develop closer relations with China. He hoped that both sides will maintain exchange of visits at top and other levels, expand cooperation on trade and investment especially in energy saving, environment protection, renewable energy and high technology and expand exchanges in culture, education and other areas. He urged both sides to make joint efforts to ensure the success of celebrations marking the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties. He said he believes that with the joint efforts from both sides, Austria-China relations can reach a higher level.

Prior to the talks, Premier Wen held a welcome ceremony for Faymann at the North Hall of the Great Hall of the People. Vice Chairman of the Central Committee of the Revolutionary Committee of the Chinese Kuomintang Liu Fan, Chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission Zhang Ping, Minister of Commerce Chen Deming, Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Zhijun, Chinese Ambassador to Austria Shi Mingde and other officials attended the welcome ceremony.