Li Keqiang Speaks with Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer on the Phone

On the afternoon of April 22, 2022, Premier Li Keqiang had a phone conversation with Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer at Ziguang Pavilion of Zhongnanhai leadership compound at the latter's request.

Li Keqiang once again congratulated Nehammer on his assuming office as Austrian Chancellor. He said, Austria is China's important cooperative partner in the European Union (EU). Since the establishment of diplomatic ties 51 years ago, China-Austria relations have transcended differences in system, culture, and development level, among other aspects, with bilateral cooperation continuously deepening. In 2018, President Xi Jinping and President Alexander Van der Bellen decided to establish the China-Austria friendly strategic partnership, elevating China-Austria relations to a new height. China is ready to work with Austria to strengthen dialogue and communication, deepen practical cooperation in various fields, and push forward the sound and steady development of China-Austria relations.

Li Keqiang pointed out, the current international and regional landscape is complex and volatile, with economic globalization facing headwinds. Noting that China and the EU are comprehensive strategic partners, major economies in the world and important trading partners of each other, he said that the two sides should all the more stick to two-way opening-up and cooperation, strengthen communication and dialogue, and jointly send a signal of stable development of China-EU relations and active progress in bilateral cooperation, so as to ensure smooth logistics between China and the EU, stable industrial and supply chains, as well as food security and energy resource security.

Li Keqiang stressed, China will never waver on the basic national policy of opening-up, which has not only boosted growth for China itself but also brought benefits to the world. No matter how the international landscape may change, China will stay committed to opening-up and deepening bilateral and multilateral international cooperation. A big and open Chinese market will always be a promising land for enterprises from all over the world, including Austrian ones, to invest and do business.

Nehammer said, Austria and China have enjoyed sound relations for a long time, with successful bilateral cooperation in various fields. Noting that China is a vital participant in international affairs, he said that Austria cherishes its relations with China, adheres to the one-China principle, and stands ready to continue deepening cooperation with China and push for the further development of the Austria-China friendly strategic partnership. Austria supports the EU and China in strengthening dialogue and communication to constantly elevate EU-China relations.

The two sides also exchanged views on the Ukraine issue.

Li Keqiang expounded on China's principled position, pointing out that China always pursues an independent foreign policy of peace. China holds that countries should abide by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, uphold international law and universally recognized norms governing international relations, and respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries. China hopes that all parties will work together to call on the relevant parties to achieve a ceasefire and end the conflict through dialogue and negotiation and in particular, avoid a humanitarian crisis on a larger scale.

Wang Yi and He Lifeng attended the above activity.