Yesterday, Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico began a six-day visit to China, accompanied by a large delegation of cabinet ministers and 80 businessmen. Fico has always maintained an excellent relationship with China and described this trip, which will extend until Nov. 5, as “the most important trip I will take this year.” China, he said, “is becoming a decisive global player,” Global Times reported him saying. Slovakia was one of the first countries to join the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and this year is celebrating 75 years of diplomatic relations with China which is its largest trading partner outside the European Union. As Global Times pointed out in its Oct. 31 editorial, Slovakia occupies a prime geographic location as an inland hub for three major transport corridors connecting Europe and China.
During his first full day of his six-day visit today, Fico met with his counterpart Premier Li Qiang, during which they discussed the potential for strengthening their relationship through expanded trade and cooperation in high-level Belt and Road development. As reported by the State Council, the two explored cooperation potential in emerging industries and how to improve the business environment for companies in each others’ countries. Fico also reiterated that Slovakia adheres to the One China policy and only recognizes the P.R.C. as the sole legal government representing all of China. The two oversaw the signing of several cooperation agreements.
Also today, Fico met with Chinese President Xi Jinping during which they announced upgrading their nations’ relationship. Xi told Fico “we have decided to elevate China-Slovakia relations to a strategic partnership, which meets the future development needs of both countries and will inject new and powerful momentum into bilateral cooperation.” China, he added, is willing to work together with Slovakia to open a new chapter in bilateral relations and lift their ties to a higher level.
