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.

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.