Chinese president in Czech state visit

PRAGUE, Tuesday

Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Czech counterpart Milos Zeman had an in-depth discussion after taking a stroll in the garden of the Czech president’s summer residence on Monday, the first day of Xi’s three-day state visit to the Czech Republic.

During their two-hour meeting, the two leaders discussed bilateral ties and how Prague can help strengthen Beijing’s relations with both the European Union and the Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) region.

The meeting took place in Lany Chateau, the official summer residence of the Czech president just outside Prague.

Mr Zeman extended his warm welcome to Xi by greeting the Chinese leader at the door.

During the in-depth discussion on China-Czech ties and China-Europe relations, Mr Xi said that friendship and cooperation has always been the dominant theme between Beijing and Prague since the establishment of their diplomatic relations more than six decades ago, despite the changing circumstances in the international arena and the ups and downs the two countries have gone through.

Mr Xi stressed that the two countries have seen closer high-level engagements, more practical cooperation, and colourful people-to-people exchanges in recent years, ushering their relationship into a period of growth that is unprecedented in terms of both speed and results.

BELT AND ROAD INITIATIVE

Mentioning an inter-governmental memorandum of understanding on jointly building the Belt and Road Initiative between the two countries signed in 2015 as a sound foundation to envision a brighter future, Xi said the two countries have a responsibility to renew their long-standing friendship.

Mr Zeman said the Czech Republic attaches great importance to its relations with China, and is willing to prioritize the development of the Czech-China relations and cooperation.

Mr Zeman said he believes Xi’s visit will provide new opportunities to enhance political trust and exchanges in various areas.

Mr Xi also discussed Beijing’s relations with both the European Union and the CEE region with Zeman, reaffirming China’s long-standing support to Europe’s integration.China “is happy to see a prosperous, united and stable EU, and is willing to work with EU members and other European countries to contribute positively to world peace and development’’, said Mr Xi. Mr Zeman said the Czech Republic is a country that can be trusted by China in the EU and is willing to fully utilize its influence to help further strengthen China’s relations with the EU and the CEE region.

Mr Xi arrived at Mr Zeman’s summer residence at about five o’clock in the afternoon.

The two leaders went up the second-floor balcony to inspect the surrounding scenery, and then took a stroll around the garden and visited a newly renovated glass greenhouse.