China, Slovakia pledge efforts to enhance traditional friendship, cooperation

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.

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

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.

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.