On October 13 local time, Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka of the Czech Republic met at the prime ministerial office in Prague with Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
Bohuslav Sobotka expressed that developing bilateral cooperation is a diplomatic priority of the Czech government. Since bilateral relations being improved, the all-round cooperation between the two countries is making important progress. The Czech side is willing to actively participate in construction of "Belt and Road", and enhance cooperation with China in infrastructure, industry, science, technology, finance, culture, tourism and other fields. This is the first time in 14 years that a Chinese Foreign Minister pays a visit to the Czech Republic, which sends out a positive political signal that bilateral relations are expected to embrace new development.
Wang Yi expressed that since taking office, the new Czech government made a decision to overcome major obstacles hampering bilateral relations. The two sides have reached important consensus and bilateral relations have returned onto a healthy development track. Over the last year, bilateral relationship has fully released its potential, demonstrating a comprehensive development momentum. The facts have proven that restoring and consolidating political mutual trust is the foundation and precondition to develop bilateral relations. The decision made by the new Czech government on its China policy was absolutely correct and in line with the fundamental and long-term interests of the Czech Republic and its people.
Wang Yi said that China highly values bilateral relations and will meet each other half way with the Czech side to jointly open up the future for bilateral friendship. Both sides should always respect each other and care for each other's core interests and major concerns. Co-constructing "Belt and Road" and docking development strategies provide strong impetus to bilateral cooperation. With regard to practical cooperation, China will, together with the Czech Republic, conduct cooperation and exchanges in infrastructure, industry, science, technology, finance and people-to-people and cultural engagement and advance relations between China and the Central and Eastern European countries.
On the same day, Wang Yi held talks with Foreign Minister Lubomír Zaorálek, exchanging in-depth views and reaching important consensus on deepening bilateral all-round cooperation.