Premier Wen Jiabao of the State Council holds talks with Slovak Prime Minister Mikulas Dzurinda in Bratislava

On December 7, 2005, Premier Wen Jiabao of the State Council held talks with Slovak Prime Minister Mikulas Dzurinda in Bratislava. Both sides agreed to build up mutual understanding, expand mutually beneficial cooperation and push for new progress of bilateral relations.

Wen said that since 1993, bilateral relations have made new headway on the existing sound basis. In the political area, both sides understand and respect the development road chosen by each other and have always treated each other as equals. Both sides have conducted fruitful economic and trade cooperation with the bilateral trade volume increasing by 7 times within 12 years and have carried out sound coordination and collaboration in the UN and other international organizations. China is satisfied with the development of bilateral relations.

Wen said that there are no fundamental conflicts of interests existing between both sides. To maintain and develop bilateral relations is common aspiration of both peoples and conforms to the fundamental interest of both sides. The Chinese government attaches great importance to developing relations with Slovakia and would like to strengthen cooperation with Slovakia in the following aspects.

First, to deepen bilateral political relations, maintain high-level political contact and frequently conduct dialogue and consultations on bilateral relations and international and regional issues of common interest.

Second, to strengthen mutually beneficial economic and trade cooperation, expand two-way investment, conduct technological exchanges, support cooperation between businesses of both sides and provide facilitation for them.

Third, to expand bilateral exchanges in the areas of culture, education and tourism and continuously build up mutual understanding and friendship between both peoples.

Dzurinda agreed with Wen's comments and proposals on bilateral relations. He said that bilateral political relations remain sound and the cooperation in economy, trade and other areas enjoys a favorable foundation, with which Slovakia is delighted. China's rapid economic growth offers huge space for Slovak businesses and Slovakia, which is located in the central place of Europe, has also provided good investment opportunities for businesses of all countries including China. Slovakia looks forward that both sides will keep closer political exchanges, continuously deepen economic and trade relations, expand cultural and tourist exchanges and strengthen communication and cooperation in time on international issues.

Dzurinda emphasized that the Slovak government will abide by its commitments on the Taiwan question and resolutely pursue the one-China policy.

Both sides also exchanged views on China-EU relations, the UN reform and other international and regional issues.

Following the talks, both sides signed the protocol attached to the agreement on promoting and mutually protecting investment between both governments and the agreement on cooperation in the area of information communications between the Ministry of Information Industry of China and the Ministry of Transportation, Post and Telecommunications of Slovakia. Wen and Dzurinda attended the signing ceremony and later jointly met with the journalists.