In the afternoon of March 26, 2015, Premier Li Keqiang met at the Great Hall of the People with President Heinz Fischer of Austria, who came to China to pay a state visit and attend the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2015.

Li Keqiang said that Mr. President has long been dedicated to developing the China-Austria relationship and has made important contributions to promoting the bilateral exchanges and cooperation. Though the national conditions and development levels of China and Austria differ, there is no fundamental conflict of interests between the two countries, and the traditional friendship between the two peoples is profound. The Chinese government attaches importance to developing relations with Austria, and is willing to push forward the bilateral relations for new progress in the new circumstances on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit.

Li Keqiang pointed out that the cooperation between China and Austria enjoys opportunities and potential as well as foundations and advantages. China is willing to make joint efforts with Austria to create new cooperation highlights in the fields such as environmental protection, new energy, renewable energy, agriculture, and science and technology, and uplift the level of bilateral cooperation in finance and civil aviation.

Li Keqiang stressed that China attaches importance to developing the relations with the European Union (EU), and will be glad to see a united and prosperous Europe and a strong and stable Euro, which will benefit world multi-polarization as well as diversification of international reserve currencies. Further development of China-EU economic and trade relations will be helpful in the recovery and stability of world economy.

Heinz Fischer said that Austria-China relations are very important, and the two countries have huge cooperation potential. Austria is willing to strengthen cooperation with China in such fields as environmental protection, new energy, agricultural technology and aviation, and to further expand cooperation in tourism and sports. Austria takes a positive attitude toward the establishment of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), and also welcomes Chinese-funded banks to expand business in Austria. Austria hopes to constantly strengthen and deepen the EU-China relations.

The two sides also exchanged views on international and regional topics of common interest.