VIENNA - With a Chinese New Year concert held on Tuesday in the Golden Hall, China and Austria officially kicked off celebrations for the 40th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations.

It also marked the launch of Austria's Year of China.

Uyunqimg, vice-chairperson of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, Barbara Prammer, president of the Austrian National Council, Chen Haosu, president of the the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), and Chinese Ambassador Shi Mingde attended the concert.

While addressing the audience, Prammer spoke highly of Austria-China relations. "Our diplomatic relations have gone through a very successful journey, and (are) unbelievably good," she said.

Uyunqimg and Shi also highly praised the good results in the development of bilateral ties, saying the celebrations will further enhance friendship between the two peoples.

During the concert, Chinese conductors Peng Jiapeng and Zhang Liang led the Czech National Symphony Orchestra to perform both Chinese pieces like "Overture to Spring Festival" as well as Western classics represented by "Blue Danube." Chinese tenor Han Peng, Wei Song, soprano Huang Ying and Austrian soprano Elisabeth Prascher dazzled audiences with their beautiful songs and won thundering applauses.

To mark the anniversary, an array of rich cultural events will be offered in both China and Austria, including jointly-held concerts, exhibitions, lectures and plays.