Chinese, Austrian leaders draw upon warm memories for enhanc（在线收听）

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and visiting Austrian President Heinz Fischer shared jokes and old photos as they met Thursday evening for expanded dialogue and cooperation between the two countries.

In a relaxed atmosphere, Wen and Fischer exchanged hugs in front of Chinese and international media members in a well decorated compound in the the Diaoyutai State Guest House.

"This place is more than 200 years old," Wen told Fischer.

"It's really beautiful," the President responded.

Upon entering the meeting room, Wen skipped the diplomatic formality by announcing, in the presence of the media, that he had kept some "proof" of the long-standing friendship with Fischer.

To the total amazement of the Austrian guests, Wen produced an old photo that he and Fischer took together some 22 years ago when they had beer in Vienna.

"Where did you find it?" Fischer said. "We were 22 years younger then."

"Yes, you were very young at that time," Wen replied in good humor.

The caption of the photo reads: Wen Jiabao, then alternate member of the Secretariat of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and concurrently director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee, meets in Vienna, Austria in 1988 with Heinz Fischer, then president the Parliamentary Group of the Socialist Party of Austria.

"I think our meeting was in December then?" Fischer suggested.

"It's December 5," Wen came up with an affirmative comment.

"Then, Mr. Premier, I will have some proof for you, too," Fischer said as he fetched for a calendar of 1988.

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.

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.