On the afternoon of the 24th, President Xi Jinping met with Slovak Prime Minister Fico, who was on an official visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

Xi Jinping pointed out that this year marks the anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Sri Lanka. After four-thirds of a century of development, the traditional friendship between China and Sri Lanka is full of vitality, and cooperation in various fields has yielded fruitful results, benefiting the peoples of both countries. We have decided to elevate the relationship between China and Sri Lanka to a strategic partnership, which aligns with the future development needs of both countries and will inject new and powerful momentum into bilateral cooperation. The Chinese side is willing to work together with the Sri Lankan side to push the China-Sri Lanka relationship to a new chapter and a higher level.

Xi Jinping emphasized that both sides can continuously promote the upgrading of China-Slovakia relations in several aspects. Firstly, deepen political mutual trust. Maintain high-level exchanges, strengthen strategic communication, adhere to mutual respect, equality, mutual benefit, and win-win cooperation, and take into account each other's core interests and major concerns. Secondly, expand practical cooperation. Make good use of the newly established intergovernmental cooperation committee between the two countries, strengthen alignment in areas such as new energy, transportation logistics, infrastructure construction, and water resource management. China encourages capable Chinese enterprises to invest in Slovakia and welcomes Slovak enterprises to explore the Chinese market. Thirdly, promote cultural exchanges. Conduct dialogues and communication among political parties, local governments, youth, think tanks, and media, make good use of platforms such as Confucius Institutes, and solidify the public opinion foundation for generations of friendly relations between China and Slovakia. China has decided to grant Slovak citizens visa-free entry into China for a certain number of days. Fourthly, strengthen international cooperation. Facing a world of intertwined changes and turmoil, both sides should adhere to true multilateralism, firmly uphold the international system centered on the United Nations and the international order based on international law, advocate for a more orderly world multipolarity and an inclusive economic globalization, practice a global governance concept of consultation, co-construction, and shared benefits, and promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

Xi Jinping emphasized that China places great importance on its relations with the European Union. Next year marks the anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the EU, and the relationship between the two should demonstrate the maturity and stability it deserves. It is hoped that the new EU institutions will adhere to the positioning of the China-EU partnership, adopt a proactive and pragmatic policy towards China, properly manage differences, and avoid politicizing economic and trade issues.

Fico congratulated the anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, stating that Slovakia steadfastly adheres to the One-China policy and recognizes the government of the People's Republic of China as the sole legitimate government representing all of China. Slovakia opposes any actions that interfere in the internal affairs of other countries and advocates for respecting the development paths chosen by each nation. This visit, which I led with a large delegation including several important cabinet members and entrepreneurs, aims to demonstrate Slovakia's high regard and positive intentions towards developing relations with China. Thanking China for the visa-free entry policy for Slovak citizens, Slovakia supports facilitating personnel exchanges between the two countries, enhancing mutual understanding, and welcomes more Chinese enterprises to invest in Slovakia, strengthening cooperation in areas such as new energy and infrastructure. Slovakia appreciates the three global initiatives proposed by President Xi Jinping, opposes unilateralism and hegemonism, and is willing to enhance multilateral communication and collaboration with China, promoting the improvement of global governance and benefiting all of humanity. Slovakia is also willing to strengthen inter-party exchanges and exchange experiences in governance with China, actively promoting the EU to properly address differences through dialogue and consultation.

The two sides also exchanged views on the Ukraine crisis. Xi Jinping expounded on China's consistent principled stance, expressing appreciation for Slovakia's objective, rational, and impartial approach. He welcomed Slovakia and more like-minded countries to join China in playing a positive role in promoting peace talks. Fico stated that China's stance on the Ukraine crisis is fair, objective, and constructive. Slovakia is willing to join the "Friends of Peace" group on the Ukraine crisis and work with China to contribute to the political resolution of the crisis.

After the meeting, both sides issued the Joint Statement on Establishing Strategic Partnership Relations between the People's Republic of China and the Slovak Republic. Wang Yi attended the meeting.