Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed his firm belief that the China-Slovakia relations will embark on fast track, open a new chapter and move to a higher level after being elevated to a strategic partnership while meeting with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico in Beijing on Friday.
Xi said the elevation of the bilateral relations meets the future development needs of both countries and will inject new and powerful momentum into cooperation.
"I'm glad to meet you, Mr. Prime Minister Fico, in Beijing. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relationship between China and Slovakia. I'm happy to see that after three-quarters of a century of development, the traditional friendship between China and Slovakia is full of vitality, and cooperation in various fields has yielded fruitful results, bringing tangible benefits to the people of both countries. I agree to elevate the positioning of the bilateral relations, which will inject new and powerful momentum into bilateral cooperation. I would like to tell you, Mr. Prime Minister, that China has decided to grant a 15-day visa exemption for Slovak citizens to enter China. Mr. Prime Minister, you are a good and old friend of the Chinese people. I believe that with our joint efforts, the China-Slovakia relations will surely enter a fast lane, open a new chapter and move to a higher level," Xi said.
Fico is on an official visit to China from Oct 31 to Nov 5. He looks to enhance cooperation with China across the board, as he told President Xi at the meeting.
"Slovakia firmly upholds the one-China policy, which is the foundation of our bilateral cooperation. Today I've come with a large delegation from Slovakia, which may be the largest ever on a Slovak prime minister's visit to other countries. We care about not only cooperation in economy, but also that in people-to-people exchanges and sports," Fico said.
China-Slovakia relations to embark on fast track of development: Xi
