BEIJING, Nov 2 – Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday met with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico in Beijing and the two sides agreed to elevate bilateral ties to a strategic partnership.
Fico is on an official visit to China from October 31 to November 5.
Noting that this year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, Xi said the two countries have yielded fruitful results in bilateral cooperation, bringing tangible benefits to the two peoples.
The elevation of bilateral ties to a strategic partnership meets the future development needs of both countries and will inject new and strong impetus into bilateral cooperation, he said.
China is ready to work with Slovakia to promote a new chapter of bilateral relations, he said.
For his part, Fico said Slovakia firmly adheres to the one-China policy, adding that the Government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China.
The Slovak side opposes any interference in other countries’ internal affairs, he said.
Thanking China for granting a 15-day visa-free entry policy for Slovak citizens visiting China, Fico said his country supports the facilitation of personnel exchanges between the two countries to enhance mutual understanding.
He expressed the welcome of more Chinese enterprises to invest in Slovakia to strengthen cooperation in new energy, infrastructure and other fields.
