Chinese Leader Visit to Prague to Enhance Ties With East-Central Europe

Chinese leader Xi Jinping is to visit Czech Republic soon.

BEIJING (Sputnik) – Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s visit to the Czech Republic will help reinforce Beijing’s cooperation and diplomatic ties with East-Central European nations, China’s Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs Liu Haixing said Thursday.

The ministry announced earlier that Xi planned his first state visit to Prague since taking office in 2012 at Czech President Milos Zeman’s invitation on March 28-30. The year 2016 marks the 67th anniversary since the establishment of Chinese-Czech diplomatic ties.

"China hopes this visit will not only promote the growth in relations between China and the Czech Republic, but also greatly stimulate the development strategy of Central Europe and the cooperation between China and the countries of Central and Eastern Europe," Liu said.

He added that the sides are expected to sign intergovernmental trade, infrastructure, healthcare, finance, aviation, culture, as well as science and technology agreements.

Xi is also expected to hold talks with Zeman, Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka and Mayor of Prague Adriana Krnacova.

The Chinese leader travels to the United States on March 31-April 4 at US President Barack Obama's invitation to take part in the fourth Nuclear Security Summit in Washington.