The Czech Republic and China pledged in Prague on Tuesday to further develop their cooperation in various areas, especially in economy and trade.

 

The commitment was made during a meeting between visiting Chinese Vice Premier Hui Liangyu and Czech Prime Minister Jiri Paroubek.

 

Highlighting a joint declaration signed between the two countries in December 2005 as a cornerstone document on bilateral relations, Paroubek said the Czech Republic would like to further promote its cooperation with China at different levels and in all fields.

 

The prime minister also expressed the hope that the two countries would focus their efforts on enhancing bilateral ties in economy and trade.

 

On his part, Hui said China would make continued efforts to implement the agreements the two countries reached last year.

 

With huge potential for cooperation in fields such as trade, agriculture, environmental protection and energy, China would like to work together with the Czech Republic to bring their bilateral ties to a higher level, Hui said.

 

China and the Czech Republic signed the nine-point joint declaration on December 8, 2005 in Prague, making the commitment to promote friendly relations.

 

Hui left Beijing last Wednesday for a four-nation tour, which has already taken him to Poland and the Czech Republic.

 

He is now in Albania after concluding his trip in Prague, and will also visit France.

 

(Xinhua News Agency April 19, 2006)