China, Slovakia seal strategic partnership amid promising talks

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico convened at the National People's Congress in China, where they signed an agreement to enhance strategic cooperation between their countries.

During their discussions, Xi highlighted the 75 years of friendly relations between China and Slovakia, Caliber.Az reports citing the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

The two leaders explored potential collaboration in several areas, including building political trust, and advancing cooperation in new energy, transportation and logistics, infrastructure development, and water resource management. They also emphasized the importance of cultural exchange and strengthening international cooperation. 

As a gesture of goodwill, Xi announced that Slovak citizens would be granted visa-free entry to China for up to 15 days.

Xi expressed China's commitment to bolstering bilateral ties in new energy, transport, logistics, and infrastructure construction. He mentioned the establishment of a new intergovernmental committee as crucial for enhancing cooperation across various sectors, including water resource management.

The Chinese President encouraged major Chinese enterprises to invest in Slovakia and invited Slovak companies to explore opportunities within the Chinese market. China also elevated its relationship with Slovakia to a strategic partnership and reiterated the visa-free travel offer for Slovak citizens.

Addressing the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, which borders Slovakia, Xi stated that China supports collaborative efforts to promote peace negotiations.

Under Fico's leadership, Slovakia has sought to strengthen bilateral and economic relations with non-European Union countries, notably China, which is its largest trading partner outside the EU. Ahead of his visit, Fico characterized this trip as "crucial," particularly following the European Commission's decision to impose tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles (EVs).

Slovakia was among five EU nations that opposed these tariffs, banking on Chinese investment to support the construction of an EV battery plant. Chinese lithium battery manufacturer Gotion High Tech, in partnership with Slovak company InoBat, has invested €1.2 billion ($1.3 billion) in this project as Slovakia transitions its auto industry toward electrification.

As a major producer of Volkswagen models for export, Slovakia is cautious about potential retaliation in the form of counter-tariffs from China, following the EU's decision on tariffs for Chinese EVs. Beijing has hinted at the possibility of imposing levies on the EU's large-engine gasoline vehicles.

Xi reiterated China's stance regarding the EU tariffs, calling for EU institutions to adopt a "positive and pragmatic policy towards China" and to refrain from politicizing economic and trade matters.

During his visit, Fico is expected to tour a Gotion plant in eastern China and attend the opening of the China International Import Expo in Shanghai.

By Tamilla Hasanova