BEIJING — State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on March 22 met with four vice foreign ministers of Visegrad countries, which consisted of Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Slovakia.

Wang said China appreciated Visegrad countries’ support and participation in the Belt and Road Initiative and their efforts to achieve win-win cooperation and common development with China.

Wang called on the four countries to contribute to the European integration. Visegrad countries are representatives of the European emerging market countries and the most dynamic forces within EU, Wang said, adding that they could inject new impetus into the integration process in Europe.

Noting that China always attaches great importance to the relations with Europe, Wang hoped that Visegrad countries could play a constructive role in promoting China-Europe relations.

Referring to the 16+1 cooperation mechanism, Wang said that Visegrad countries could play a leading role in enhancing cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European (CEE) Countries.

“China stands ready to work with the 16 CEE countries, including the four Visegrad countries, to maintain and develop the 16+1 cooperation,” he said.

The four vice foreign ministers said Visegrad countries attached great importance to developing relations with China, adding they were ready to enhance exchanges with China, deepen mutually-beneficial cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative and the 16+1 cooperation framework, and play a constructive role in developing Europe-China relations.