Chinese President Xi Jinping (L front) and Czech President Milos Zeman (R front) plant a a ginkgo biloba tree sapling from China before their meeting at the Lany presidential chateau in central Bohemia, Czech Republic, March 28, 2016. Xi started a three-day state visit to the Czech Republic from Monday, the first state visit by a Chinese president in 67 years since the two countries established diplomatic ties. (Xinhua/Lan Hongguang)
Zeman said he believes Xi's visit will provide new opportunities to enhance political trust and exchanges in various areas.
A COUNTRY THAT CAN BE TRUSTED IN THE EU
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 Xi.
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.
A GINKGO SAPLING
Xi arrived at 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.
They also planted a ginkgo sapling from China before their meeting. Xi said ginkgo, a symbol of long-lasting friendship in Chinese culture, signifies the friendly ties between the two countries.
He expressed his hope that the two countries will put their bilateral ties at a strategically important position and treat them with a view for the future.
During his visit to China in 2014, Zeman presented Xi with an apple tree sapling, which symbolizes cooperation in the Czech Republic.
Xi arrived earlier Monday in Prague for a three-day state visit. It is the first state visit by a Chinese president in 67 years since the two countries established diplomatic ties. It is also Xi's maiden visit to the CEE region since he assumed presidency in 2013 and his first trip to Europe this year.
Xi told Zeman that China and the Czech Republic have a long history of friendship despite the distance between them, and that he expects to elevate the bilateral ties to a new level with his visit.
After visiting the Czech Republic, Xi is expected to travel to Washington D.C. to attend the fourth Nuclear Security Summit, which is to be held from March 31 to April 1.
