Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries

At the Invitation of CPAFFC, the Austria-China Friendship Association VIP() Delegation, led by Mr. Mag. Harald Himmer, Vice President of the Federal Council of Austria, visited China from March 28th. to April 6th.

During its stay in Beijing, Mrs. Lin Wenyi, National Political Consultative Conference vice president met the delegation in the Great Hall of the People. Vice President Lin said, the cooperation in each field between China and Austria was well conducted. China has already been the second largest partner of Austria outside the EU. This year marks the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and EU. Vice president Lin highly praised the outstanding contribution of Austria to China-EU relationship. Lin hoped that Austria, with its geo-political advantage, becomes an active participator in the construction of “One Belt and One Road”.

Vice president Himmer hoped to strengthen the cooperation of big data, energy efficiency and environmental protection, renewable energy between China and Austria. Meanwhile he said, as a giant winter sport country, Austria, with its rich experience in ski resorts management, related technologies etc., is willing to assist China to bid for the Olympic Winter Sport 2022.

The delegation also visited Xi’an, Hangzhou and Shanghai. During the stay in Shanghai, on behalf of the Shanghai Municipal Government Mr. Zhou Yajun, vice director of Shanghai Foreign Affairs Office and vice president of the Shanghai Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, awarded Mr. Prof. Gerd Kaminski, vice executive president of Austria-China Friendship Association, “Magnolia Award” to honor his great contribution to China-Austria friendships.