From February 16 to 17, 2009, Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Wu Hongbo headed a delegation to visit the Czech Republic. During the visit, Wu met with Czech Foreign Minister Karel Schwarzenberg. Wu and Czech Deputy Foreign Minister Tomas Pojar also held political consultation between the two Foreign Ministries.

During the meeting and consultation, Wu congratulated Czech on its holding of EU’s rotating presidency, saying that the two countries enjoy traditional friendship and broad common interest. Under the current complex international situation, pushing for sound, stable development of China-Czech, China-EU relations is not only in the interest of both sides but also conducive to world peace, stability and development. China is ready to take the opportunity of the 60th anniversary of China-Czech diplomatic relations and Czech’s holding of the EU’s rotating presidency to push forward bilateral ties. China is ready to work with the Czech side to well prepare for the 11th China-EU Summit.

The Czech side noted that the country attaches importance to China’s international status and its role and influence in international affairs. The Czech side looked forward to enhanced cooperation in economy, culture and climate change. The Czech Republic gives top priority to the 11th China-EU Summit and is ready to work with China to make good preparations for it in a bid to push forward China-Czech, China-EU relations.

Both sides also exchanged views on international issues of common concern.