国内英语新闻:China, Slovakia pledge efforts to enhance traditional friendship, cooperation

BRATISLAVA, June 18 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Hu Jintao and his Slovakian counterpart Ivan Gasparovic held talks here on Thursday and they agreed to take the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties as an opportunity to consolidate their traditional friendship and enrich the contents of cooperation.

    Speaking highly of the longstanding friendship between the two countries, Hu noted in particular the substantial development of bilateral relations since the Central European country gained independence 16 years ago.

    Expressing satisfaction at the state of bilateral ties, Hu said there are no outstanding issues left over by history or conflict of interests between China and Slovakia, Hu said. It is the shared goal of the two countries to expand consensus and deepen cooperation, he added.

Visiting Chinese President Hu Jintao (L) meets with Slovakian President Ivan Gasparovic for talks in Bratislava, capital of Slovakia June 18, 2009

"This is in the fundamental interests of the two countries and the two peoples," Hu said. He made a four-point proposal for the further development of bilateral ties.

    Firstly, the traditional friendship should be consolidated and bilateral mutual political trust be enhanced, Hu said.

    The frequent contacts between leaders of the two countries is important to the development of bilateral ties and the Chinese side welcomes President Gasparovic to visit China again. The two sides should also promote exchanges and cooperation between the two governments, legislative bodies and political parties so as to consolidate the political foundation of bilateral relations.

Visiting Chinese President Hu Jintao (R, front), accompanied by Slovakian President Ivan Gasparovic, inspect the honor guard during a welcoming ceremony in Bratislava, capital of Slovakia June 18, 2009.

Second, both side should enhance economic and trade cooperation and join efforts to cope with the ongoing financial crisis, Hu said, adding that this is the focus of bilateral cooperation at present.

    They should expand trade links and achieve a balanced growth in two-way trade, increase mutual investments, expand areas of cooperation and oppose protectionism.

    Different forms of cooperation should be encouraged in such fields as infrastructural construction, new energy, agriculture and environmental protection.

Chinese President Hu Jintao (L) and Slovakian President Ivan Gasparovic meet with journalists after their talks in Bratislava, capital of Slovakia June 18, 2009

In responding to the impact of the international financial crisis, the two countries should also strengthen communication, share experiences and push for the reform of international financial systems.

    Third, cultural exchanges and cooperation should be expanded with more substance and the two sides should learn from each other for common development, he said.

    Fourth, there should be strengthened coordination and consultation between the two countries in international and regional organizations such as the United Nations, as well as closer multilateral cooperation in efforts to make joint contributions to world peace and stability, he said.

    Agreeing entirely with Hu's views, Gasparovic said the Chinese president's visit is of great significance to promoting bilateral cooperation in various fields and friendly relations between the two countries.

Chinese President Hu Jintao and Slovakian President Ivan Gasparovic meet with journalists after their talks in Bratislava, capital of Slovakia June 18, 2009

Slovakia will continue to adhere to the one-China policy, he said.

    Only through concered efforts of all countries in the world could the crisis be tackled in an effective way.

    The Slovakian president said his country welcomes more investments from China and is ready to promote reciprocal cooperation in the fields of science and technology, energy, new energy, infrastructure, machinery, tourism and agriculture.

    Hu, currently on a three-nation tour, arrived here earlier in the day after concluding a state visit to Russia. He will also visit Croatia.

    Earlier this week, the Chinese president attended the annual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and a meeting of the BRIC countries -- Brazil, Russia, India and China, in the Russian city of Yekaterinburg.