Slovakia is an important partner for China in central and east
Europe, and China will work?to promote bilateral friendly
cooperation, said Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao in Beijing Monday.
Wen told visiting Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico that
consolidating bilateral relations is in the interest of the two
countries.
He made several suggestions for enhancing bilateral relations
and cooperation, including closer exchanges between governments,
parliaments and political parties of the two countries,
consultations and dialogue on bilateral relations and major
international issues, more cooperation in technology and the
information industry, and more visits by art groups and
universities.
Fico said Slovakia is determined to push forward relations with
China. He encouraged more Chinese companies to invest there and
favored more cultural and educational exchanges between the two
countries.
He said Slovakia, as an EU member state, will contribute to the
European Union’s effort to develop its comprehensive strategic
partnership with China.
As a partner of the European Union, Wen said China has always
approached China-EU relations from a strategic, long-term
perspective.
China will work with all EU members including Slovakia to
strengthen political trust, promote cooperation, aid in
negotiations on the new Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, and
open dialogue between countries, Wen said.
Fico reiterated Slovakia's firm adherence to the one-China
policy, and called for more bilateral consultations and
coordination on multilateral affairs.
After the meeting, the two prime ministers signed documents on
cooperation in areas such as agriculture and education.
The meeting was an important element of Fico's five-day official
China visit, his first trip to China since he assumed the office of
prime minister last July.
(Xinhua News Agency February 6, 2007)
