President Jiang Zemin met Wednesday with visiting Austrian President Thomas Klestil in Beijing.

Jiang said bilateral relations between the two have developed well since diplomatic ties were forged 30 years ago. The history of trade and economic relations between the two countries is even longer, he said.

Jiang said the two countries had carried out fruitful trade. Last year, trade between the two countries hit US$780 million, up 14 percent on the previous year.

Klestil said he has brought with him more than 80 entrepreneurs, who have signed deals worth hundreds of millions of US dollars with their Chinese partners.

Jiang also exchanged views with his Austrian counterpart on the international situation.

He said the process of political and economic multi-polarization is moving at a faster pace, and people around the world strongly aspire for peace, stability and development.

The development of political multi-polarization and economic globalization is certain to be a trend, independent of men's will, he said.

He said unipolarization is not conducive to world peace and stability.

Jiang said China has always supported Europe's efforts to become stronger through unity. He hopes Europe becomes a strong force in a multi-polar world and plays a greater role in international affairs.

Klestil said he agreed with Jiang's remarks on the international situation, noting that the European Union (EU) is dedicated to the integration of countries and is becoming an important force.

He said the EU will play an important role in international and regional affairs.

The two sides also discussed the situation in other regions in the world.

Klestil arrived Wednesday afternoon for a five-day working visit to China as Jiang's guest.

(Xinhua 05/16/2001)