CRI听力:Sino-Czech Strategic Partnership Endorsed

The new agreement also calls for more ties between the various ministries, law-making bodies and local governments in China and the Czech Republic.

Addressing the media after the signing of the new accord, Chinese President Xi Jinping says the agreement coincides with the start of numerous bilateral cooperation projects between the two countries.

"Both sides have made plans to establish various areas of cooperation in the coming years. On top of supporting government-to-government cooperation, plans are being put in-place to launch major infrastructure projects in the near future. We have also agreed to increase cooperation in areas of finance and advanced technologies, with both of us agreeing to support our respective economic development. We've also decided we want to increase people-to-people and cultural exchanges."

Talks between the two Presidents have also included China's relationship with the European Union, as well as areas of cooperation among China and the countries that make up Central and Eastern Europe.

The two have also agreed to try to integrate China's Belt and Road initiative with the Czech Republic's development strategy, as well as establish a formal set of meetings among various levels of government on both sides to map out the future development of bilateral ties.

Both Zeman and Xi Jinping have also overseen the signing of 10 different intergovernmental agreements.

Xi Jinping says all 10 are setting the tone for the further development of the Sino-Czech cooperation.

"The joint declaration elevating our relationship to the strategic partnership level sets the direction for our political ties. We also oversaw the signing of numerous agreements designed to increase cooperation in areas such as aviation, tourism, science and technology. A direct air link between Shanghai and Prague has also been approved by Chinese authorities. All of these will add momentum to our relations and bring benefits to our people."

For his part, Milos Zeman says the Czech Republic remains committed to try to become a gateway for China into the European Union through transportation, logistics and finance.

"It's expected that the Czech Republic will become a gateway to the Europe Union or China. What's more, I want to say that the Czech Republic is willing to make it a harbor popular with Chinese merchant ships. You are welcome here."

Xi Jinping is set to wrap up his 3-day state visit to the Czech Republic later on this Wednesday.

His time in Prague marks the first time a Chinese president has made an official visit to the country since diplomatic ties were established with the former Czechoslovakia 67 years ago.

From Prague, President Xi Jinping is due to fly to Washington to attend this year's Nuclear Security Summit on Thursday and Friday.

For CRI, this is Li Jianhua.