China, Czech ink cooperation deals as president visits

Chinese President Xi Jinping (front L) holds a welcoming ceremony for visiting Czech President Milos Zeman before their talks in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 27, 2014. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

China and the Czech Republic on Monday inked several deals on civil nuclear energy, finance, and medical treatment and public health, during Czech President Milos Zeman's China visit.

Bilateral cooperation is facing broad prospect. The two countries should cherish the current situation and ensure a continuous sound and stable development of ties, said Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Xi, in his talks with Zeman at the Great Hall of the People, hailed the development of bilateral ties since their establishment 65 years ago. He said the two countries should understand and respect each other's core interests and major concerns, strengthen high-level engagement and exchange of all levels, and enhance mutual trust.

The Czech Republic boasts unique strengths in aircraft manufacturing, green energy and environmental protection, while China has advantages in nuclear power, industrial parks and trade parks. The two countries should increase two-way trade and investment and expand reciprocal cooperation, Xi said.

He called on the two sides to strengthen cultural and personnel exchanges to deepen understanding and friendship. He also hoped the Czech Republic would play a bigger role in the development of China-Europe relations and cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European countries.

Zeman said his country will maintain and push forward its relations with China on the basis of mutual respect and non-interference.

The Czech Republic firmly supports China's stance on Taiwan, Tibet and other issues, he said.

Zeman invited Xi to visit the Czech Republic as soon as possible. He pledged to give strong support to entrepreneurial cooperation, and called for more exchanges between young people and students. He said the Czech Republic will actively promote the Europe-China cooperation.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang also met with Zeman on Monday afternoon.

Zeman is paying a state visit to China from Oct. 24 to 27, the first by Czech head of state for nearly a decade.