Czech Republic is not leaving any stone unturned to give grand reception to Chinese President Xi Jinping, who will commence a three day diplomatic visit to the country on Monday, March 28.
This is the first time a China’s top leader is visiting Czech Republic since both countries established diplomatic relationship 67 years ago.
“President Xi’s visit is a dream moment for me,” said Jaroslav Tvrdik, a special adviser to the nation’s top leadership, who has been assigned the responsibility of making arrangements for Xi’s visit. “We’ve made tremendous efforts in preparing for the visit, the first one by a Chinese president since diplomatic relations were established 67 years ago.”
More than 20 agreements are expected to be signed in important areas like trade, investment, aviation and finance during Xi’s three day visit.
China and Czech Republic are also expected to hold special discussion on the Silk Route initiative (also known as One Belt, One Road). The initiative aims to enhance economic cooperation among countries along the ancient Silk Road from China to Europe. The initiative was unveiled by President Xi in 2013.
The Czech Republic, an important country on the silk trade route owing to its unique geographic location, has already signed memorandum of association with China on the One Belt, One Road initiative . The memorandum was signed during Czech President Milos Zeman’s visit to China in September last year.
Ma Keqing, Chinese ambassador to Prague, speaking on the Czech Republic’s interest in Belt, One Road initiative, said “The Czech Republic has responded actively to President Xi’s Belt and Road Initiative to boost connectivity and has treated it a chance to take on China’s train of development and further stimulate its economy.”
In return, Czech Republic is seeking enhanced economic investment from China. Czech Republic has also proposed to make Prague China’s financial center in Central and Eastern Europe.
Economic cooperation between two countries has increased steadily, with several Chinese companies making investment in the landlocked European country. Chinese TV manufacturer Changhong has set up a huge factory, while engineering company Xi’an Shaangu Power and energy firm China Energy Co Ltd have also made huge investment in the country.
