SOFIA — Premier Li Keqiang met with his Czech counterpart, Andrej Babis, on July 7, vowing to consolidate the political foundation for a smooth development of bilateral relations and the basic conditions for pragmatic cooperation.

During the meeting, Premier Li said that Sino-Czech relations are traveling along a healthy and stable direction, with growing political mutual trust and frequent high-level exchanges.

China appreciates the Czech side’s long-term positive attitude towards the one-China principle, he said, adding that he hopes the two countries could continue to understand and respect each other’s core interests and major concerns.

Premier Li said China is willing to expand two-way opening-up as well as two-way trade and investment with the Czech side, so as to increase trade of goods and deepen service trade cooperation.

He also said that both sides could strengthen cooperation in areas like finance, aviation, automobile and agriculture.

The Premier said the Czech Republic is rich in tourism resources, adding that China is happy to see Chinese tourists visiting the Czech Republic, and also welcomes more Czech tourists, which will help enhance mutual understanding and friendship of the two peoples.

Babis said the Czech government is committed to developing relations with China and adheres to the one-China policy.

The Czech Republic is willing to strengthen high-level exchanges with China and push forward the development of bilateral relations, said Babis.

The Czech Republic is ready to improve the level of trade and investment cooperation with China, he said, adding that his country hopes to take part in the first China International Import Expo and will continue to actively participate in the 16+1 cooperation.