What the leaders say

Czech Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka speaking to Czech Television before leaving for China:

We are trying to increase bilateral trade, and I am pleased that we have succeeded in doing this over the past two years. Year-on-year, the number of Chinese tourists coming to the Czech Republic has risen by 40 percent. This year, 300,000 Chinese tourists have arrived so far.

We have also increased our exports of goods and services to China by 15 percent. That is a dramatic rise, and I believe that our better relations with China are having significant economic results.

The goal of this trip is to promote the Czech Republic as a possible gateway to ... Central and Eastern Europe."

Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov, speaking at a Sino-Bulgarian investment forum in Shanghai, stressing the importance of advancing economic cooperation with China:

The advantages for Bulgaria, compared with other Balkan states, are its membership in the European Union, a stable parliament and government, the lowest taxes in the EU and highly qualified personnel. On the basis of this, Chinese companies can find a stable environment in Bulgaria."

Polish President Andrzej Duda, addressing the opening ceremony of the Economic and Trade Forum between China and Central and Eastern European countries:

We want to cooperate with Chinese companies and the Chinese economy to develop the Polish state, the EU and everything that connects Poland and Europe with China. ... The Belt and Road Initiative, which seeks to expand land and sea links between Asia and Europe, is an excellent opportunity for the development of China, Asia and Europe, including Poland.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, addressing the same opening ceremony:

China has a key role in safeguarding global peace and maintaining the necessary global balance to preserve peace. I will ... respectfully ask the leaders of China to support European efforts aimed at restoring our security and assist European anti-terrorist efforts. ...

Our relationship is based on respect and mutual interest. Hungary, for example, has received more than $3.5 billion in Chinese investment. ... We will increase Chinese investments in the future. It is clear that our relations have stood the test of time. As for the future, we are on the verge of immense opportunities.