Chinese, Austrian leaders draw upon warm memories
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Fischer turned to the page of December 5 and read: "Receiving Chinese delegation at 10:00 AM, lunching with Chinese delegation at 12:30 PM and dining with Chinese delegation at 7:00 PM."
"But you forgot to note down one point," Wen dropped in. "We had beer at ten that evening."
"We should never let anybody else know we do after ten," Fischer joked back.
The media persons were amused by the exchange of jokes and shared laughter with the two senior statesmen.
China and Austria have maintained frequent exchange of visits between their leaders. During the current state visit to China, President Fischer has held talks with Chinese President Hu Jintao and witnessed the signing of a number of bilateral agreements. He also met with top Chinese legislator Wu Bangguo Thursday afternoon.
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Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (R) shakes hands with Austrian President Heinz Fischer in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 21, 2010. [Li Xueren/Xinhua] |
This was the first visit that Fischer paid to China since he became President.
In another move to share his memory with Premier Wen, Fischer presented Wen with a photo he took in China back in 1977, when the country had just ended the decade-long chaos of the so-called "Cultural Revolution."
"You are an old friend of the Chinese people," Wen told Fischer. "You are one of the statesmen who win my admiration."
"Since we have been able to exchange views in a candid way since 22 years ago, I hope we contribute greater effort to advancing China-Austria and China-Europe relations," Wen said.
Fischer said the two countries shared broad common interests and views on a lot of issues. He said further advancing bilateral links would serve the fundamental interests of both countries.
Wen said the two countries respected each other and worked to expand dialogues between different civilizations. He said this common ground was of great significance to enhancing mutual trust and understanding between China and Europe and promoting international cooperation against various challenges.
Wen said the relations between China and Austria went beyond the bilateral framework and took on a broad prospect.
Wen said China would like to work with Austria to elevate dialogues and cooperation in various fields on an equal and mutually beneficial footing, and to push forward bilateral links and China-Europe relations in a sound and steady way, so as to promote harmony and sustainable growth of the world.
Fischer left Beijing for Shanghai to continue his China trip Thursday evening.
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Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (R) presents the group photo of his visit in Vienna 22 years ago to Austrian President Heinz Fischer in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 21, 2010. [Li Xueren/Xinhua] |
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