Chinese President makes state visit to Austria

Chinese President Hu Jintao departed Beijing on Sunday for a state visit to Austria and to attend the G 20 Summit set to be held in Cannes, France from November 3 to 4. 

BEIJING, CHINA (Catholic Online) - Hu was invited by both the Austrian and French presidents, who are rotating the G 20 presidency between them.

During his visit, the Chinese president will hold talks with Austrian President, and will meet with Austrian Chancellor Werner Faymann and, the Speaker of the Parliament Barbara Prammer. He is also expected to attend a Chinese-Austrian trade forum.

It is expected that the two sides will sign several agreements covering economics, trade, environmental protection, water, education, and culture during the visit. The visit is expected to strongly boost bilateral relations to a new level.

This visit is the first to Austria by Chinese President in a dozen years, and follows the visit of Austrian President Heinz Fischer, to Beijing in February 2010.

Both countries have enjoyed strong, positive relations since establishing the diplomatic ties 40 years ago. Among the countries of Europe, Austria was one of the first to recognize the new People's Republic of China.

Experts acknowledge that there are great differences between the two nations, however they note that both nations have taken similar and even identical positions on a grand range of international issues, and that they have decades of coordination and cooperation on various matters.

Trade between the two countries has also reached a new high. In 2010, trade volume in Austria reached a record $6.1 billion which was a 26 percent increase from 2009 volume.

In addition to politics and economics, the two countries will hold over 200 cultural events this year including concerts, exhibitions, performances, and seminars that are designed to strengthen the ties between the two countries.

Many are praising the deepening relationship between the two nations, and are hopeful that Austria's advanced technology in areas such as energy, environmental protection, and renewable energy, which are greatly needed in China, will be readily transferred for the benefit of all.

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