China and Slovakia reaffirm their strategic partnership, expanding cooperation in trade, investment, AI, transport and Belt and Road projects while promoting stronger China–EU economic engagement.
Sino-Slovak relations have been further reinforced through a new commitment to fostering closer ties by engaging in increased cooperation in areas of trade, investment, infrastructure, and new technologies. The new commitment was made during a visit to China by President of Slovakia Peter Pellegrini and Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Beijing.
Li Keqiang also underlined the historical relationship between the two nations and stressed on the readiness of China to enhance strategic mutual trust, respect each other’s core interest, and develop cooperation on various platforms. He further stated that the governments of both the countries would engage in deeper cooperation with each other through existing bilateral frameworks such as intergovernmental cooperation committee.
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Cooperation in the economy is still key in their relationship. China declared its willingness to advance quality cooperation through BRI while seeking enhanced cooperation in areas such as trade, infrastructure, transport, and logistics. China and the United States also agreed to look for ways in which advanced industry, especially that of artificial intelligence and other technologies, could be developed.
Li also emphasized that there should be increased investments from Chinese firms in Slovakia and hoped that the Slovak government would ensure an open, transparent, and fair business environment for Chinese firms. The increased investments would promote industrial development and technological collaboration between the two countries.
In regard to the relations in the wider region, Li said that China and Europe have great complementary economic advantages and that the relationship between them should be characterized by mutual benefit and development. He also hoped that Slovakia could play a positive role in the EU in helping the EU take a more pragmatic attitude toward its relations with China.
President Pellegrini confirmed that Slovakia will continue its efforts toward having stable and enduring relationships with China. President Pellegrini said that he supported increased high-level exchanges between the two nations. Moreover, he stressed the need for increased collaboration between Slovakia and China on investments, science and technology, transportation and logistics, and artificial intelligence.
Another point is that the government of Slovakia stated clearly its willingness to participate in the initiative of Belt and Road and the mechanism of cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European countries. President Pellegrini mentioned that increasing the investment from China is still one of the priorities for the country.
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Both leaders believed that increased dialogue and cooperation would not just be good for the two nations, but it would also add value to China-Europe relations. Both leaders emphasized their joint resolve to ensure openness in cooperation and economic interaction while tackling regional and global issues together.
This meeting clearly reflects the increasing momentum in Sino-Slovak relations as both nations attempt to improve cooperation in the fields of business, innovations, and connectivity. Through enhanced investments and cooperation in the realm of new technologies, the two capitals strive to forge a stronger strategic partnership between China and Europe.