Chinese, Czech leaders see more chances in Belt and Road Initiative

Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) meets with Czech Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 26, 2015. [Xinhua/Xie Huanchi]

BEIJING -- Belt and Road Initiative provides more opportunities for China and the Czech Republic to deepen cooperation, Chinese and Czech leaders said in their meeting on Thursday.

China and the Czech Republic signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Thursday on jointly building the Belt and Road Initiative, referring to Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road.

Bilateral ties are developing faster and yielding more fruits than ever, Xi told Czech Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka, who came to China for the fourth summit of China and Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries in east China's Suzhou city.

Xi said he appreciates the Czech Republic's active participation in the cooperation between China and 16 CEE countries, hoping the Czech Republic would contribute more to the growth of China-Europe relations.

"China is willing to enhance political mutual trust and maintain the right direction of bilateral ties," Xi told Sobotka, calling on both sides to take the signing of MOU as an opportunity to expand cooperation.

China is willing to link its development strategy with the Czech Republic, boosting cooperation in manufacturing, nuclear power, finance, aviation, nanometer and biology, Xi said.

"China hopes to discuss high-speed railway, road and bridge and other infrastructure cooperation with the Czech Republic, which is an important country along the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road," Xi said.

Xi called on both sides to strengthen cooperation in culture, tourism, sports, health, science and education.

Hailing the good momentum of bilateral ties, Sobotka said the MOU will bring more chances for cooperation, expressing hopes for more partnership with China in economy, industry, environment, finance, aviation, logistics among others.