Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao met Wednesday in Bratoslava with Slovak President Ivan Gashparovic on further promoting bilateral cooperation.

Wen, who flew here earlier Wednesday after winding up his four- day official visit to France, spoke highly of the bilateral ties between China and Slovakia in his meeting with the Slovak president.

The two leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation and exchanges, so as to push their relations to a new high.

Wen said that Slovakia has maintained social stability and fast economic growth since its independence in 1993, and the Chinese people are happy with the progress Slovakia has made in various fields.

He noted that in recent years the bilateral relations have registered a smooth development, with high-level exchanges between the two countries getting closer.

The Chinese premier also said that with the continuously strengthened mutual understanding and trust, trade between the two countries has increased, and a considerable headway has been achieved in cooperation in science and technology, culture, education and sports.

Slovakia's accession to the European Union has opened up new room for practical cooperation and coordination in various fields, he said.

Regarding Slovakia as a trustful and friend and partner, the Chinese government attaches importance to developing its ties with Slovakia and is willing to further enhance bilateral cooperation of mutual benefit with Slovakia, he added.

For his part, Gashparovic said that Slovakia has enjoyed a good relationship with China, without any problems pending solution between the two countries.

The governments and parliaments of the two countries have maintained friendship and close contacts, enjoying broad consensus and common recognition in international issues, the president said.

Saying that there is a great potential for bilateral cooperation in economy and trade, energy resources, environmental protection, culture, education, science and technology, Gashparovic expressed his hope that the two countries make concerted efforts to further promote the bilateral ties.

The president reiterated that Slovakia firmly sticks to the one- China policy.

The two leaders also exchanged views on Sino-European relations.

Source: Xinhua