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

We start with Day Two of President Xi Jinping's three-day 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.

 

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.

 

"We've also witnessed the signing of numerous agreeements and memorandums of understanding in the fields of investment, science and technology, tourism and aviation," Xi said.

 

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.

 

"We agreed that the two countries should continue to develop a long-term and stable bilateral relationship. Both countries should take further steps to strenghen contacts at all levels,"  Xi said.

 

On Tuesday, 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.