Wu Bangguo (L Front), chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature, arrives in Vienna for an official goodwill visit to Austria on May 15, 2009. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing) Photo Gallery>>>

    VIENNA, May 15 (Xinhua) -- China's top legislator Wu Bangguo said here on Friday that China is ready to further enhance cooperation with Austria in all fields, especially between the real economic entities of the two countries.

    Wu said in a written speech released upon his arrival here for an official goodwill visit to Austria that the two countries should join hands to address the impact of the international financial crisis so as to continuously push forward bilateral relations.

    Wu is the first chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress (NPC) to visit Austria since 1994. In the past 15 years, China has expanded relations with Austria in areas ranging from trade, economy, culture, science, education, technology, health, environment to personnel training.

    China has become Austria's top trading partner in Asia and its third largest source of imports, while Austria is one of the major sources of advanced technology for China. So far, China has bought4.67 billion U.S. dollars worth of technology in health, occupational education, fire fighting and environmental protection from Austria.

    "China regards Austria as an important cooperative partner in the European Union," Wu said.

    The parliaments of the two countries have maintained close contact over the past two decades, and parliamentary leaders have exchanged visits. Federal Council President Harald Reisenberger visited China in April.

    Besides Reisenberger, Wu will also meet with President Heinz Fischer and National Council President Barbara Prammer.

    Wu is expected to exchange views with Austrian officials on bilateral relations, as well as regional and international issues of common concern.

    Austria is the second leg of Wu's three-nation tour, which will later take him to Italy. He arrived in Vienna after concluding a visit to Russia.

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