Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli met here Thursday with Czech President Milos Zeman, vowing to advance bilateral relations into a new era of growth.

Zhang conveyed warm greetings from Chinese President Xi Jinping to Zeman. He said President Zeman is a widely respected statesman who has made active contribution to expanding Czech-Chinese relations and promoting friendship between the two countries.

Noting that the Czech Republic was one of the first countries that recognized the new China founded in 1949, Zhang said Chinese-Czech friendship has taken deep roots in the people of both countries.

Zhang said at present Chinese-Czech relations are showing huge potential as both sides cherish strong motivation for cooperation.

He said the two countries are to accelerate practical cooperation in the areas of trade, investment, agriculture, technology, medical services, infrastructure and tourism.

He called on the two sides to make joint efforts to advance the cooperation between China and the Central and Eastern European countries (CEEC).

Zhang said the Chinese government encourages Chinese companies to invest in the Czech Republic and will work with the Czech government to create favorable environment for and actively promote cooperation between companies of the two countries.

Zhang said China appreciates President Zeman for placing importance on China’s major concerns. He expressed the belief that on the basis of deepening mutual understanding and trust, Chinese-Czech friendly relations and mutually beneficial cooperation will enter a new era of growth.

Zeman asked Zhang to convey his good wishes to President Xi. He said Czech-Chinese relations have seen new opportunities of further growth as bilateral practical cooperation continued to make progress.

He said the Czech side is ready to work with China to further tap into the potential and expand the area of cooperation and expects more Chinese companies to invest in his country.

Zeman said his country is ready to use the platform of “16 plus 1 cooperation” to advance cooperation between China and the Central and Eastern European countries and other countries of the European Union.

Zeman emphasized that the Czech side highly praises the achievements that China has made in social and economic development. He said realizing comfortable life for the people of China in an all-round way will be an important contribution to advancing the cause of human rights.

He said the Czech side also praises the effort and achievement that the Chinese government has made in promoting development in Tibet.

Zhang arrived in Prague Wednesday for the second China-CEEC local leaders meeting held from Aug. 28 to Aug. 29.