On October 27, 2014, President Xi Jinping held talks with President Milos Zeman of the Czech Republic at the Great Hall of the People. Xi Jinping stressed that both sides should cherish the current hard-won and sound situation of relationship between China and the Czech Republic, respect and trust each other and work together to open up a broad prospect for bilateral cooperation.
Xi Jinping emphasized that when attending the opening ceremony of the Sochi Winter Olympics this February, you and I had candid and in-depth talks and reached important consensus on principles guiding the relationship between China and the Czech Republic, opening a new chapter for bilateral relations. In recent years, the bilateral relations are on the rise. Your visit this time is on the occasion of the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relationship between the two countries, and also the first visit to China paid by a head of state of the Czech Republic within nearly 10 years, which is of special significance.
Xi Jinping pointed out that reviewing the past, we can see that the current sound situation of bilateral relations is hard-earned. Looking into the future, bilateral cooperation boasts broad prospect. We should double treasure the current situation, especially understand and respect each other's core interests and major concerns, enhance high-level exchanges and dialogues at all levels, and boost mutual trust, thus to ensure the continuous, sound and stable development of bilateral relations.
Zeman expressed that he and President Xi Jinping had good talks in Sochi and reached important consensus. The Czech Republic determines to, on the basis of mutual respect and non-interference in each other's domestic affairs, safeguard and develop the friendly cooperative relations with China through practical actions. The Czech Republic firmly supports China's stance on Taiwan, Tibet-related and other issues. Apple tree symbolizes cooperation in the Czech Republic. He brought a young apple tree this time as a gift for President Xi Jinping, hoping it will take root, bloom and fruit in China.
Xi Jinping noted that the cooperation between China and the Czech Republic is like a forest of apple trees, and we should both pick apples and plant more young trees. We should well care for the saplings of bilateral cooperation, nurturing them into grown trees with rich fruits at an early date. There is a Czech saying goes, "No work no cakes", while the Chinese people believe "No pain no gain". The Czech Republic boasts unique characteristics in aircraft manufacturing, green energy, environmental protection and other fields, and China enjoys certain advantages in such areas as nuclear power, and industrial as well as economic and trade parks. We should join efforts to elevate the level of bilateral trade and two-way investment as so to enhance and well develop bilateral cooperation. We should also intensify cultural as well as personnel exchanges, and deepen mutual understanding and friendship. The Czech Republic is an important member of the European Union as well as an important country in Central and Eastern Europe. It is hoped that the Czech Republic will play a greater role in boosting China-EU relations as well as cooperation between China and the Central and Eastern European countries.
Zeman said that he fully agrees to President Xi Jinping's proposals. The Czech Republic hopes to enhance high-level mutual visits with China. He invites President Xi Jinping to visit the Czech Republic at an early date. The Czech Republic vigorously supports the enterprises of the two countries to conduct exchanges, expand mutual investment and work for more cooperation projects. He hopes that the two countries could carry out more people-to-people and cultural exchanges, especially exchanges between young students. The Czech Republic will actively dedicate to promoting EU-China cooperation.
Following the talks, the two heads of state together witnessed the signing of cooperation documents in such areas as diplomacy, civilian nuclear energy, finance, health care and culture.
Prior to the talks, Xi Jinping held a welcoming ceremony for Zeman at the square outside the East Gate of the Great Hall of the People. Vice Premier Ma Kai, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress Zhang Baowen, Vice Chairwoman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference Lin Wenyi and others attended the welcome ceremony.