China is willing to further cooperation with Austria and the two countries should play more active roles in dealing with the international financial crisis, said Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Dejiang Thursday.

The bilateral cooperation has been strengthened and developed, mainly reflected in the political mutual trust, close economic cooperation, cultural exchanges, and close coordination on international and regional affairs, said Zhang, who is in Austria on a visit, while meeting with Austrian President Heinz Fischer.

Next year will mark the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries. China would like to take this opportunity to strengthen communication and cooperation between the two countries on the basis of the principles of mutual respect, equality, mutual benefit and respect for China's core interests, so that the bilateral relations can be brought to a new high, he added.

He also pointed that the world economy is gradually recovering but the international community needs to work together to overcome hardships. China and Austria should further enhance cooperation and promote bilateral trade development.

Fischer said frequent high-level visits between the two countries since last year have reflected the good development momentum of bilateral relations.

Currently, Austria is actively preparing for the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. Austria is willing to further strengthen cooperation with China in the fields of new energy, environmental protection, ecology and other fields, Fischer said.

Zhang arrived in Austria on Thursday for a five-day visit.