China, Slovakia to deepen pragmatic cooperation, strengthen inter-party relations

BRATISLAVA, Dec. 8 -- Chinese and Slovak leaders on Monday pledged to deepen cooperation in economy and trade, and to strengthen relations between the Communist Party of China (CPC) and Slovak political parties.

Wang Jiarui, vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, made the pledge when meeting with Robert Fico, Slovak prime minister and leader of the Direction-Social Democracy party, and Parliament Speaker Peter Pellegrini, respectively.

Wang, who also heads the International Relations Department of the CPC Central Committee, said that on the occasion of the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties, China and Slovakia should turn their traditional friendship into more fruits of cooperation.

The two countries should grasp the opportunity of enhancing the cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European Countries to deepen the convergence of their interests and realize common prosperity, Wang said.

The CPC is willing to build closer relations and strengthen exchanges with Slovak political parties, Wang said.

Slovakia, which firmly adheres to the one-China policy, will create favorable conditions for bilateral economic and trade cooperation and expects massive Chinese investment, Fico and Pellegrini said.

Slovak political parties are ready to conduct more active cooperation with the CPC, the Slovak leaders added.