China, Czech Republic agree to promote ties

The Czech Republic is fully aware of the importance and sensitivity of Tibet-related issues and refuses to support any form of "Tibet independence", according to a press communique on Tuesday.

The communique, issued by the Chinese Foreign Ministry and the Czech Foreign Ministry, said the Czech Republic respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the People's Republic of China.

According to the communique, both sides respect each other's development path, domestic and foreign policies adapt to their own national conditions, reiterating the principle of non-interference in internal affairs.

The Czech Republic reaffirmed its adherence to the one-China policy and stressed that Tibet is an inalienable part of Chinese territory, it said.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told visiting Czech counterpart Lubomir Zaoralek that with a new beginning in bilateral ties, the two countries should expand exchanges at all levels.

President Xi Jinping and President Milos Zeman met in February in the Russian resort city Sochi, Wang said, stressing the Chinese side is willing to implement the consensus between the two leaders to deepen bilateral cooperation on the basis of mutual respect, equality and taking care of each other's core interests and major concerns.

Zaoralek said the Czech side admires the great achievements of China's development in recent years and is ready to enhance cooperation with China in various fields on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit.

The two sides discussed the cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries. China appreciates the Czech active participation in the China-CEE cooperation and would like to see a greater role for the Czech Republic in it, said the communique.

Wang and Zaoralek also exchanged views on the Ukraine situation and other international and regional issues.

Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi also met Zaoralek on Tuesday. He called on both sides to enhance exchanges in various areas as bilateral relationship has opened a new page.