At the invitation of President Milos Zeman of the Czech Republic, Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Prague to start his state visit on March 28. [Special coverage]
This is the first visit of China's head of state to the nation since the establishment of diplomatic relations 67 years ago. It's Xi's first visit to a Central-Eastern European country and to Europe in 2016, which is expected to open a new chapter for bilateral relations.
The Czech Republic is an important country in Central-Eastern Europe and European Union, and a major country player under the "Belt and Road" initiative, which holds an important strategic position to push for the "16 + 1 cooperation" and China-EU relations.
Xi had published a signed article, "Time to Renew and Energize China-Czech Ties" in the Pravo Daily on Saturday. He expressed support for future development of bilateral relations.
President Xi and Czech leaders are expected to engage in sincere, in-depth exchange of views, promote the "Belt and Road"initiative, "16+1 cooperation", China-EU relations, international and regional issues of common concern. Both sides will sign many cooperation agreements.
Bilateral relations would usher in a new chapter in history. "16 + 1 cooperation" and China-EU relations will gain new momentum.
By Xu Xiujun, deputy director of International Politics and Ecomonics Department, Institute of World Economics and Politics, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences; cartoon drawing by Wang Dongjie
