BEIJING — In a momentous meeting held at the prestigious Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Chinese President Xi Jinping welcomed Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, marking an official visit that underscores the strength of the bilateral relationship.
Highlighting a significant milestone, Xi noted that this year commemorates the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Slovakia. He emphasized that over three-quarters of a century, the traditional friendship has flourished, yielding fruitful cooperation across various sectors and bringing substantial benefits to both populations.
“We have decided to elevate China-Slovakia relations to a strategic partnership, which aligns with the future development needs of both nations. This new partnership will inject fresh and robust momentum into our bilateral cooperation,” Xi stated, expressing China’s readiness to collaborate with Slovakia in opening a new chapter in their relations.
Moreover, Xi stressed the importance of deepening political mutual trust, urging both nations to engage in high-level exchanges and reinforce strategic communication to adhere to principles of mutual respect and equality. He called for accommodating each other’s core interests and significant concerns.
In an effort to expand pragmatic cooperation, Xi proposed utilizing the recently established inter-governmental cooperation committee, pushing for synergy in fields such as new energy, transportation and logistics, infrastructure development, and water resource management. He actively encouraged Chinese enterprises to invest in Slovakia while inviting Slovak businesses to explore the vast market in China.
Highlighting cultural enrichment, Xi advocated for enhanced people-to-people exchanges and collaborations. He urged dialogues across various sectors, including political parties, local governments, youth, think tanks, and the media, to nurture a foundation of goodwill for enduring China-Slovakia friendship, leveraging platforms like the Confucius Institutes.
In a gesture to facilitate travel, China announced a 15-day visa-free entry program for Slovak citizens, a move that aims to strengthen ties between the two countries.
Addressing the need for international cooperation, Xi underscored the significance of true multilateralism in a complex global landscape, advocating for the preservation of the international system, spearheaded by the United Nations, and promoting an equitable multipolar world order. He called for an inclusive approach to economic globalization and a collaborative vision for global governance that emphasizes shared benefits and contributions.
Expressing China’s commitment to fostering robust China-EU relations, Xi pointed out that next year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations with the EU and stressed the need for bilateral ties to reflect maturity and stability.
Xi expressed hope that new EU institutions would maintain a focus on the China-EU partnership, encouraging a positive, pragmatic approach toward managing differences without politicizing economic matters.
Fico reaffirmed Slovakia’s commitment to the one-China policy, recognizing the People’s Republic of China as the sole legitimate government representing all of China. Moreover, he advocated for respecting each country’s choice of developmental paths without foreign interference.
Appreciatively, Fico acknowledged China’s decision to grant 15-day visa-free travel for Slovak citizens, emphasizing Slovakia’s support for enhancing people-to-people exchanges and attracting more Chinese investments in new energy and infrastructure projects.
Fico commended the three major global initiatives proposed by President Xi and expressed Slovakia’s willingness to strengthen communication on governance experiences while championing the EU’s commitment to resolving differences through dialogue and negotiation.
The leaders also engaged in discussions regarding the ongoing Ukraine crisis, where Xi outlined China’s principled and constructive stance. He praised Slovakia for its objective and rational approach and welcomed the country to join a coalition of like-minded nations advocating for peace talks.
Fico endorsed China’s fair and objective position on the Ukraine crisis, expressing Slovakia’s willingness to ally with China in contributing to a political resolution of the ongoing conflict.
Concluding their discussions, the two nations issued a joint statement establishing a strategic partnership, setting the stage for enhanced collaboration moving forward.
**Interview with Dr. Eva Novak, International Relations Expert**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Novak. We just witnessed a landmark meeting between President Xi Jinping and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico in Beijing. Can you give us a brief overview of its significance?
**Dr. Novak:** Absolutely! This meeting is notably significant as it marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Slovakia. It emphasizes the strengthening of their bilateral relationship, which has gradually developed into what Xi referred to as a “strategic partnership.” This shift indicates a commitment to deepen collaboration across various sectors, including trade, infrastructure, and cultural exchanges.
**Interviewer:** Xi Jinping mentioned expanding cooperation in several key areas. Could you elaborate on what those might look like?
**Dr. Novak:** Certainly! During the discussions, Xi highlighted cooperation in new energy, transportation, logistics, and water resource management. This is crucial as Slovakia seeks to modernize its infrastructure and develop sustainable energy solutions. By establishing a strong inter-governmental cooperation committee, both countries can initiate joint projects that harness their respective strengths.
**Interviewer:** There’s also talk of people-to-people exchanges and cultural enrichment. Why is this aspect vital in international relations, especially between China and Slovakia?
**Dr. Novak:** Cultural exchanges solidify diplomatic relations by fostering mutual understanding and respect. Initiatives like dialogues across different sectors—youth, think tanks, and the media—are essential in building long-lasting friendships. With Slovakia’s participation in platforms such as the Confucius Institutes and the recent visa-free entry program, both nations can enhance their cultural ties, which ultimately strengthens their political and economic partnerships.
**Interviewer:** Xi Jinping called for adherence to principles of mutual respect and equality. How might this impact the future of China-Slovakia relations?
**Dr. Novak:** This emphasis on mutual respect is pivotal in fostering a more balanced partnership. It ensures that both countries recognize and accommodate each other’s core interests. As Slovakia navigates its position within the broader European context, maintaining a respectful and equal relationship with China will allow for a more fruitful collaboration, benefiting both nations economically and politically.
**Interviewer:** Xi spoke about the need for true multilateralism and an equitable world order. How does this align with Slovakia’s interests in the European Union?
**Dr. Novak:** Slovakia, as an EU member, stands to benefit from a multilateral approach that promotes collaboration and shared benefits. Xi’s vision for global governance aligns with the EU’s commitment to multilateralism, joint action on global issues, and advocating for an inclusive economic system. This alignment could also solidify Slovakia’s role as a bridge between China and the EU, fostering cooperation that meets the evolving geopolitical landscape.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Novak, for sharing your insights on this pivotal meeting and its implications for the future of China-Slovakia relations.
**Dr. Novak:** My pleasure! It’s an exciting time for both nations, and I look forward to seeing how their partnership evolves in the coming years.
