A drink for Sino-Czech friendship

"Let's drink for the friendship between China and the Czech Republic," LadislavSalal, president of the Sino-Czech Economic Cooperation Association said right after the People's Daily reporter sat down, taking out a bottle of wine and two small cups. 

Salal toasts with the reporter, wishing long-lasting China-Czech friendship. (Photo: People’s Daily)

"It is a Czech liquor similar to erguotou (a kind of Chinese liquor) in China, but it is not so hot. Still, it will burn your stomach," he explained. The reporter had a sip and decided to put it down, but he barred the way, saying, "You coming here is just like going back home. As a family we must drink this cup." He then emptied his glass, and the reporter followed suit.

Born in 1930, Salal was sent to study in China in 1952 and he studied Chinese at Peking University. From 1958 to 1962, Salal was the economy commissioner at the Czechoslovakian embassy to China. In the following years, he went to China many times, leading the Czechoslovakian economic delegation.

"China is my second hometown. I have special feelings for the country. Everything about it is so beautiful," Salal said while showing the photos he has taken in China in different periods.

"I also found my love in Beijing," Salal said in a voice filled with happiness. He met his wife Ai Lianna, who was then his classmate, while he was studying at Peking University.

During his stay in Beijing, he and his colleagues met then Chinese vice president Zhu De. "We wanted to take a photo with Zhu De. And Zhu De agreed without any hesitation after learning that we are from socialist country," Salal said, displaying the photo featuring Zhu De and a group of diplomats.

Salal (2nd right) and his colleagues in the then Czechoslovakia Embassy in China pose photo with Zhu De. (Photo: copied by Yan Ren from People's Daily)

"Even though there were twists and turns, the friendship between China and the Czech Republic has never stopped. Particularly in recent years, the relationship between the two countries is rising," Salal is very confident about Sino-Czech relations. "The visits of top leaders from both countries have greatly enhanced our relations. After the Czech president's visit to China last year, now Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit the Czech Republic soon. I believe this visit will be historic, and will bring Sino-Czech relations to a new level," said Salal.

In 2014, the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the Czech Republic, Chinese ambassador to the Czech Republic compiled and published a book called China and Me to commemorate the milestone, and invited many who used to study and work in China to share their stories. The book includes a memoir by Salal in which he wrote, "My love of China never left me since it started in my youth. I grow more interested in China the more I know about the country."

Salal is showing the book China and Me treasured by him. (Photo: Yan Ren from People's Daily)

"I sympathize with everything happening in China, and I feel sincerely happy for the grand achievements China has accomplished today," he said.