On July 5, 2018 local time, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl of Austria in Vienna.

Wang Yi expressed that President Alexander Van der Bellen successfully visited China in the company of Chancellor Sebastian Kurz this April, and both sides decided to establish China-Austria friendly strategic partnership. The Chinese side is willing to, together with the Austrian side, in accordance with this new positioning, well implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, maintain close exchanges at various levels, and take China's new round of reform and opening up and Austria's participation in the activity of "national exhibition" at the China International Import Expo as opportunities to promote China-Austria practical cooperation for expansion and upgrade. The Chinese side appreciates the Austrian side for actively participating in the Belt and Road construction, and is willing to share the great market opportunities brought by Asia-Europe connectivity with Austria.

Wang Yi noted that Austria has just taken over the rotating presidency of the European Union (EU), and China expects the Austrian side to play a constructive role in enhancing China-EU strategic mutual trust and promoting China-EU all-round cooperation. The Chinese side will continue firmly supporting the European integration process, and is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with the EU side in global governance and international affairs, so as to inject more positive energy into the current era filled with uncertainties.

Karin Kneissl expressed that President Alexander Van der Bellen's recent "super visit" to China in the company of Chancellor Sebastian Kurz was a complete success. At present, Austria-China relations are at the best period in history, with exchanges and cooperation in various fields reaching an unprecedented high level. The Austrian side stands ready to, together with China, implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state, and strengthen cooperation in various fields, in a bid to promote bilateral relations for more practical outcomes. The EU side attaches high importance to China's status and role, and is willing to further enhance communication and coordination with China in multi-lateral affairs.

The two Foreign Ministers also exchanged views on the Iranian nuclear issue, and both agreed to preserve the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on the Iranian nuclear issue and guarantee the legitimate rights and interests of various parties when cooperating with Iran, so as to promote the upcoming Foreign Ministers' Meeting on the Iranian Nuclear Issue to send out the signal of solidarity.