CCTV9英语新闻：习近平呼吁加强与捷克关系

Chinese president Xi Jinping is scheduled to pay a three-day visit to the Czech Republic, beginning on Monday. It's the first visit by a Chinese head of state to the Czech Republic since diplomatic ties were established with the former Czechoslovakia 67 years ago.

President Xi Jinping says relations have entered a fast track in recent years. In his article published in the Czech daily newspaper, Právo, Xi wrote that at the end of 2015, the two countries signed an intergovernmental Memorandum of Understanding to promote the Belt and Road construction, making room for more bilateral cooperation and exchange.

He noted China and the countries in central and Eastern Europe enjoy a profound friendship, and the joint construction related to the Belt and Road initiative as well as the integration of development strategies will bring more dynamism for cooperation.

Xi Jinping stressed that through his upcoming visit, he hopes leaders from China and the Czech Republic can strengthen mutual political trust, step up strategic integration and trade cooperation, and promote cooperation between China and Europe for a better future.

Xi said as China-Europe relations are at their best with unprecedented opportunities, China is ready to work with the EU to contribute to the world economy.