On May 28, 2011, Chinese President Hu Jintao and his Austrian counterpart Heinz Fischer exchanged messages of congratulations to mark the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

Hu said in the message China and Austria established diplomatic relations on May 28, 1971, which opened a new chapter for bilateral ties. The relationship between China and Austria has become increasingly mature and vigorous thanks to the joint efforts of both sides over the past 40 years, Hu said. Exchanges of visits between leaders of the two countries have become frequent, and mutual understanding and trust have deepened, Hu said, adding that cooperation in economy and trade, culture, science and technology has continued to expand. China and Austria have also maintained good communications and coordination on international affairs as well as within the United Nations and other multilateral organizations, Hu said.

Hu stressed that promoting a healthy and stable relationship between China and Austria on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit is a consistent policy of the Chinese government. "We would like to join hands with the Austrian side to strengthen exchanges on multiple levels, promote political mutual trust, expand pragmatic cooperation and push forward the bilateral friendly ties to new stages," the Chinese president said.

In his message, Fischer highlighted the continual improvement and strengthening of bilateral ties over the last 40 years. He said Austria is ready to take the 40th anniversary as an opportunity to promote exchanges with China in the bilateral domain and within the European Union framework and further strengthen political, economic and cultural relations with China. Fischer expected the bilateral friendly cooperation to be promoted to a higher level that is beneficial to the well being of the two peoples, world peace and stability. On the same day, Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi and Michael Spindelegger, the Austrian Minister for European and International Affairs, also exchanged congratulations on the anniversary.