CCTV9英语新闻：China, Czech Republic set up strategic partnership

Chinese president Xi Jinping is wraping up day two of his historic state visit to the Czech Republic. He and his Czech counterpart Milos Zeman have signed a number of deals, covering sectors including finance, infrastructure, technology and cultural exchanges.

 

Chinese President Xi Jinping (L) and his Czech counterpart Milos Zeman sign a joint statement on lifting the two countries' ties to a strategic partnership after their talks in Prague, the Czech Republic, March 29, 2016. (Xinhua/Ju Peng)

Nothing tops a 21-gun salute. Chinese President Xi Jinping met with his Czech counterpart Milos Zeman on Tuesday in Prague. The two leaders signed an agreement on a strategic partnership, as well as a series of cooperation deals.

Last year the two-way trade topped 21 billion US dollars. And located along the route charted by the "Belt and Road" Initiative, the Czech Republic plays an important role for China's global strategy. And deepening cooperation will push the initiative further in Central and Eastern Europe. President Xi also called for stronger cooperation and dialogues.

Xi became the first foreign head of state to be welcomed at the Czech Presidential residence, the Lany Chateau where the two leaders planted a Ginkgo tree brought from China, in return for the apple tree Zeman brought to China two years ago.

-- Chinese President Xi Jinping (L, front) and his Czech counterpart Milos Zeman meet with Chinese and Czech young athletes of football and ice hockey after their talks in Prague, the Czech Republic, March 29, 2016. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei)

Chinese President Xi Jinping (R, front) meets with Chinese and Czech young athletes of football and ice hockey after he held talks with Czech President Milos Zeman in Prague, the Czech Republic, March 29, 2016. (Xinhua/Ju Peng)

Chinese President Xi Jinping (L) and his Czech counterpart Milos Zeman attend a press conference after their talks in Prague, the Czech Republic, March 29, 2016. (Xinhua/Ju Peng)

Chinese President Xi Jinping (L) and his Czech counterpart Milos Zeman attend a press conference after their talks in Prague, the Czech Republic, March 29, 2016. (Xinhua/Ju Peng)

Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Czech counterpart Milos Zeman attend a press conference after their talks in Prague, the Czech Republic, March 29, 2016. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing)