VIENNA, Sept. 2 (Xinhuanet) -- Austrian Federal President Heinz Fischer on Thursday met with a Chinese leader to discuss bilateralties and current international events.

    Jia Qinglin, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), first extended congratulations to Fischer on his assumption of the federal presidency.

    Through his three-day visit, Jia said, he had experienced the friendship of the Austrian people to the Chinese people and the importance the Austrian government has attached to developing relations with China.

    Jia said that the world is undergoing profound changes, China and Austria have extensive common recognition and common interestsin safeguarding world peace and promoting development of the mankind.

    Attaching great importance to ties with Austria, the Chinese government is willing to further expand cooperation at various levels with Austria, Jia said.

    Fischer said Austria admires the rapid and healthy development of China's society and economy and acclaims the positive role China has played within the framework of the United Nations to promote world peace and development.

    Austria will continue to maintain its One China policy and to dedicate itself to expanding and deepening cooperation with China,the president noted.

    The president of Austria's Federal Council Anna Elisabeth Haselbach was also present at the meeting.

    Jia arrived in Vienna Monday on a three-day official goodwill visit. Austria is the second leg of his four nation tour which also includes visits to South Korea, Spain and Portugal. Enditem