On the afternoon of November 1, 2024, President Xi Jinping met with Prime Minister of Slovakia Robert Fico, who is on an official visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
Noting that this year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Slovakia, Xi Jinping said that after three-quarters of a century of development, the traditional friendship between the two countries is full of vitality, and the cooperation in various fields has yielded fruitful results, bringing tangible benefits to the people of both countries. Xi Jinping said, "We have decided to elevate China-Slovakia relations to a strategic partnership, which meets the future development needs of both countries and will inject new and powerful momentum into bilateral cooperation." China is ready to work with Slovakia to open a new chapter in bilateral relations and lift bilateral relations to a higher level.
Xi Jinping stressed that the two sides can continue to upgrade China-Slovakia relations in four areas. First, deepen political mutual trust. The two sides should maintain high-level exchanges, strengthen strategic communication, adhere to mutual respect and trust, equality and mutual benefit, and accommodate each other's core interests and major concerns. Second, expand practical cooperation. The two sides should make good use of the newly established inter-governmental cooperation committee to strengthen synergy in such areas as new energy, transportation and logistics, infrastructure construction and water resources management. China encourages capable Chinese enterprises to invest in Slovakia and welcomes Slovak enterprises to explore the market in China. Third, promote people-to-people and cultural exchanges. The two sides should carry out communication and dialogue among political parties, local governments, youth, think tanks, and the media, and make good use of platforms such as the Confucius Institutes to consolidate the foundation of public opinion for China-Slovakia friendship across generations. China has decided to grant 15-day visa-free entry to Slovak citizens. Fourth, strengthen international cooperation. In a changing and turbulent world, both sides should uphold true multilateralism, firmly safeguard the international system with the United Nations at its core and the international order underpinned by international law, advocate for an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, embrace a vision of global governance featuring extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, and promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.
Xi Jinping stressed that China attaches great importance to China-EU relations. Next year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the EU, and China-EU relations should demonstrate due maturity and stability. Xi Jinping expressed the hope that the new EU institutions will adhere to the orientation of the China-EU partnership, follow a positive and pragmatic China policy, properly manage differences, and refrain from politicizing economic and trade issues.
Robert Fico extended congratulations on the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, saying that Slovakia firmly adheres to the one-China policy and recognizes the government of the People's Republic of China as the only legitimate government representing all of China. Slovakia opposes any interference in other countries' internal affairs and advocates for respecting each country's independent choice of development path. He said that the visit to China with a large delegation including several important cabinet members and entrepreneurs aims to demonstrate Slovakia's strong commitment to and willingness to develop relations with China. He appreciated China's decision to grant Slovak citizens the 15-day visa-free treatment. Slovakia supports facilitating people-to-people exchanges between the two countries and enhancing mutual understanding, and welcomes more Chinese enterprises to invest in the country and strengthen cooperation in areas such as new energy and infrastructure. Slovakia appreciates the three major global initiatives put forward by President Xi Jinping, opposes unilateralism and hegemonism, and is ready to strengthen multilateral communication and cooperation with China to improve global governance and promote the well-being of all mankind. Slovakia is ready to strengthen inter-party exchanges and exchange of experience on governance with China, and actively promote the EU's commitment to properly handling differences through dialogue and consultations.
The two sides also had an exchange of views on the Ukraine crisis. Xi Jinping expounded on China's consistent principled position, and commended Slovakia for adopting an objective, rational and impartial stance. He welcomed Slovakia and more like-minded countries to work with China to play a positive role in promoting peace talks. Robert Fico stated that China's position on the Ukraine crisis is fair, objective and constructive. Slovakia is ready to join the "Friends for Peace" group on the Ukraine crisis and work with China to contribute to the political settlement of the crisis.
After the meeting, the two sides issued a Joint Statement between the People's Republic of China and the Slovak Republic on the Establishment of a Strategic Partnership.
Wang Yi was present at the meeting.
