Chinese premier calls for joint efforts with Austria to safeguard multilateralism, free trade

NEW YORK, Sept. 23 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang here on Tuesday urged Austria to work with China to safeguard multilateralism and free trade.

In his meeting with Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker, Li noted that Austria is a key member of the European Union (EU), calling on the country to push the EU to view China-EU relations based on strategic autonomy and from a long-term perspective, and adopt a positive and pragmatic policy toward China for greater benefits for both sides and the wider world.

The Chinese premier is in New York to attend the general debate of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly from Sept. 22 to 26.