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.

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

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.

"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.