Xi, Slovak PM meet in Beijing to strengthen ties

Xi, Slovak PM meet in Beijing to strengthen ties and announced a new strategic partnership between China and Slovakia.

Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico in Beijing on Friday to mark 75 years of diplomatic relations between China and Slovakia. President Xi acknowledged the long-standing ties between the two countries, emphasizing that their relationship has thrived and brought concrete benefits to their peoples.

Xi announced a new strategic partnership between China and Slovakia, aimed at further enhancing cooperation to address both countries’ development needs. He highlighted China’s willingness to work closely with Slovakia to elevate their bilateral relationship, opening up new avenues for collaboration.

Xi stressed the importance of deepening political trust, calling for increased high-level exchanges and strategic communication. He advocated for mutual respect, equality, and recognition of each country’s key interests and concerns as fundamental pillars for continued partnership.

In terms of practical cooperation, Xi encouraged Slovakia and China to leverage a newly established inter-governmental cooperation committee, focusing on areas like new energy, logistics, infrastructure, and water management. He invited Slovak businesses to explore opportunities in China and welcomed Chinese enterprises to invest in Slovakia.

On cultural and public exchanges, Xi urged both nations to promote communication across various societal levels, including political parties, local governments, and youth organizations. Platforms like Confucius Institutes were highlighted as valuable tools to strengthen public support for long-term China-Slovakia relations.

Xi also announced that Slovak citizens will be granted 15-day visa-free access to China, facilitating easier travel and exchange.

Recognizing global challenges, Xi called for greater cooperation on the international stage, advocating multilateralism centered on the United Nations. He encouraged collaboration to promote a multipolar world, fair economic globalization, and shared global governance that benefits all.

Addressing EU-China relations, Xi further expressed hope that upcoming EU leadership would foster stability and pragmatism, respecting partnership goals without politicizing trade.

Prime Minister of Slovakia, Robert Fico

Prime Minister Fico reiterated Slovakia’s support for the one-China policy and non-interference in other countries’ internal affairs. He thanked China for the visa-free policy and invited further investment from Chinese companies, particularly in new energy and infrastructure.

Fico also praised China’s three global initiatives and affirmed Slovakia’s interest in exchanging governance ideas with China. He expressed support for EU-China cooperation based on dialogue.

The two leaders also discussed the Ukraine crisis, with Xi lauding Slovakia’s balanced stance. Fico acknowledged China’s constructive approach and expressed Slovakia’s willingness to join efforts for a peaceful resolution.

Following their discussions, China and Slovakia issued a joint statement formalizing their strategic partnership.