VIENNA - A welcoming ceremony for a pair of Chinese giant pandas took place in Vienna's Schoenbrunn Zoo on Wednesday, marking the official start of a decade-long stay in the Austrian capital of the panda pair for scientific research purposes and as friendship envoys.

The two giant pandas -- male He Feng and female Lan Yun -- arrived in Austria on April 23.

Addressing the ceremony, Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen said giant pandas are a symbol of the friendship between his country and China. The cooperation on giant panda protection like this creates trust and brings nations closer together.

Van der Bellen said that he is very happy to officially welcome the giant pandas to the new home and that the Chinese giant panda is deeply loved by the Austrian people.