On June 18, 2009, Chinese President Hu Jintao and his Slovak counterpart Ivan Gasparovic held talks in Bratislava, capital of Slovakia. Both sides agreed to take the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties as an opportunity to consolidate their traditional friendship, enrich the contents of cooperation and push forward bilateral friendly cooperative relations.

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. Both sides have maintained high-level visits, built up mutual political trust and conducted fruitful cooperation on economy and trade with dynamic humanities exchanges and close communication and sound cooperation on international and multilateral occasions. He expressed satisfaction with the status quo of bilateral ties.

Hu pointed out that in the past 60 years of friendly exchanges, both peoples have forged profound friendship, which is common treasure that deserves to be cherished. Hu said there are no outstanding issues left over by history or conflict of interests between China and Slovakia. 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 hoped that both sides will take the celebrations for the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties as an opportunity to continue with the past and open up the future and work together for a bright future of China-Slovakia friendly cooperative relations. He made a four-point proposal for the further development of bilateral ties.

First, the traditional friendship should be consolidated and bilateral mutual political trust be enhanced, Hu said. The frequent contacts between leaders of the two countries are 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.

Second, both sides 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. They should expand trade links and achieve a balanced growth in two-way trade, increase mutual investments, expand areas of cooperation for mutual benefit, jointly cope with the crisis and oppose protectionism. Different forms of cooperation should be encouraged in such fields as infrastructural construction, new energy, agriculture and environmental protection for the benefits of both peoples. In responding to the impact of the international financial crisis, the two countries should also strengthen communication, share experience and push for the reform of international financial system.

Third, cultural exchanges and cooperation should be expanded with more substance. The two countries have always maintained sound exchanges and mutually beneficial cooperation in the areas of education, culture, science and technology, health and sports. He hoped that the two sides will learn from each other for common development, he said.

Fourth, international coordination should be enhanced and multilateral cooperation be reinforced. There should be strengthened coordination and consultation between the two countries in international and regional organizations such as the United Nations, in efforts to make joint contributions to world peace and stability, he said.

Agreeing entirely with Hu's comments on bilateral ties and his views on developing the ties, Gasparovic said President Hu's current visit is the first visit by a Chinese head of state to Slovakia. The Slovak people are very much delighted and would like to express their warmest welcome to President Hu. The visit is of great significance to promoting bilateral cooperation in various fields and friendly relations between the two countries, said Gasparovic. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties 60 years ago, bilateral ties have been developing smoothly. Slovakia will continue to adhere to the one-China policy, he said.

Gasparovic said currently the international financial crisis is still spreading. Only through concerted efforts of all countries in the world could the crisis be tackled in an effective way. It is of special significance for China, a country with a population of 1.3 billion, and Slovakia to jointly discuss ways of coping with the financial crisis. The Slovak president said his country welcomes more investments from China and is ready to promote reciprocal cooperation in the fields of science and technology, energy, new energy, infrastructure, machinery, tourism and agriculture.

Following the talks, the two presidents jointly met with the journalists. Prior to the talks, President Hu attended a grand welcoming ceremony held by Gasparovic.

On the evening of the same day, President Hu attended a welcoming banquet given by President Gasparovic in his honor. Hu also met with the staff of the Chinese Embassy in Slovakia and representatives from Chinese-funded institutions, Chinese students and overseas Chinese.

Ling Jihua, Wang Huning and Dai Bingguo attended the above activities.