China, Slovakia vows to enhance all-round cooperation

Wen told visiting Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico that consolidating bilateral relations is in the interest of the two peoples.

He made several suggestions to enhance 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 effort to develop its comprehensive strategic partnership with China.

Wen said China has always approached China-EU relations from a strategic, long-term view. China is a partner of the European Union and not a threat.

China will work with all EU members including Slovakia to strengthen political trust, promote all-round cooperation, speed up the negotiations on the new Partnership and Cooperation Agreement and properly handle each other's concerns through dialogue on an equal footing, 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. Wen's guest, this is his first China visit since he assumed the office of prime minister last July.