In a significant move to strengthen international relations, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico in Beijing on Friday. The discussions culminated in an agreement to elevate bilateral ties to a strategic partnership, marking a pivotal moment in China-Slovakia relations.
Prime Minister Fico is on an official visit to China from October 31 to November 5, aiming to foster deeper collaboration between the two nations. Highlighting the importance of this year, Xi noted that it marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Slovakia. He emphasized that the partnership has already yielded fruitful results, bringing tangible benefits to both peoples.
Xi outlined four key proposals to further enhance China-Slovakia relations:
- Maintaining High-Level Exchanges: Strengthening strategic communication based on mutual respect, trust, and win-win cooperation, while safeguarding each other's core interests.
- Expanding Practical Cooperation: Leveraging newly-established inter-governmental cooperation committees to align efforts in new energy, transportation, logistics, infrastructure, and water resources management.
- Promoting Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges: Facilitating dialogue between political parties, local governments, youth, think tanks, and media, and utilizing platforms like the Confucius Institute to build a strong foundation for bilateral friendship.
- Upholding True Multilateralism: Advocating for an equal and orderly multi-polar world and inclusive economic globalization, aiming to build a community with a shared future for mankind.
In a move to promote tourism and ease of travel, China announced a 15-day visa-free entry policy for Slovak citizens visiting China.
Xi also expressed China's commitment to its relations with the European Union, noting that next year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the EU. He called for mature and stable China-EU relations, urging the new EU leadership to adopt pragmatic policies, manage differences appropriately, and avoid the politicization of economic and trade issues.
Slovakia's Prime Minister Fico echoed Xi's sentiments, expressing optimism about the future of China-Slovakia relations and the potential for enhanced cooperation across various sectors.
Reference(s):
President Xi, Slovak PM meet in Beijing, agreeing to elevate ties
cgtn.com
