Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing and his Austrian counterpart Benita Ferrero-Waldner held talks in Beijing Monday.

Li said bilateral relations had developed comprehensively in recent years, with frequent high-level visits, expanded trade and economic cooperation and fruitful exchanges in culture, education and other fields.

China always attached great importance to relations with Austria and appreciated the Austrian government's adherence to the one-China policy, said Li.

China was willing to work with Austria to strengthen friendly cooperative relations.

Ferrero-Waldner said Austria appreciated the great achievements China had made in economic and social development and attached great importance to the important role that China played in international affairs.

Austria was willing to strengthen cooperation in politics, trade and economy, culture and tourism, said Benita Ferrero-Waldner.

The two sides also exchanged views on international and regional issues of common concern.

(Xinhua News Agency November 3, 2003)