Wu Bangguo (L), chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature, meets with Austrian President Heinz Fischer in Vienna on May 15, 2009. Wu Bangguo arrived in Vienna on May 15 for a four-day official goodwill visit to Austria. [Xinhua/Li Tao]

Chinese top legislator Wu Bangguo and Austrian President Heinz Fischer met Friday afternoon, agreeing to further expand cooperation on bilateral and international issues in face of the global financial storm.

Wu arrived in Vienna Friday morning for an official goodwill visit to Austria. He is the first Chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress (NPC) who visited Austria in the past 15 years.

During his meeting with Fischer, Wu emphasizes that China places great importance on further developing relations with Austria. He said China is ready to expand friendly contact between the governments, parliaments and political parties of the two countries on a basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefits.

Wu said the two countries should enhance mutual understanding and trust so as to deepen cooperation in various fields and carry out closer coordination and communication on international affairs.

Fischer appreciates the responsible stance and measures that China has taken in addressing international financial crisis. He said the financial crisis has caused great impact on every country in the world and required joint effort of all countries in addressing it.

Wu briefed Fischer about China's policy measures to address the financial crisis and maintain stable, fast economic growth.

Both sides agreed that despite differences on such issues as Tibet, they should join efforts to bring in a new era of bilateral relations.

Fischer reiterated that Austria will as always stick to the one-China policy, which is a consensus of all political parties in Austria. This stance will never change under any circumstances.

Wu appreciated Fischer's statement and reiterated China's principled stance on the Tibet issue.

On China-EU relations, Wu said both sides should firmly support each other's development by joining hands to address global challenges, including financial crisis and climate changes. He said the two sides should join efforts to curb trade and investment protectionism and maintain rapid growth of trade and economic cooperation.

Wu hopes Austria will play a constructive role in advancing China-EU relations.

Fischer expressed the belief that Wu's visit to Austria will help enhance friendship and advance cooperation in all fields between the two countries.

(Xinhua News Agency May 16, 2009)