Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping met in Beijing Friday with visiting speaker of the Slovak National Council Pavol Paska, vowing to upgrade bilateral ties.

Xi said China and Slovakia had enjoyed a traditional friendship, and political trust strengthened cooperation on trade, education, science and culture. The two countries also maintained close coordination between international organizations.

China would use the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties with Slovakia in 2009 to upgrade bilateral cooperation, Xi said.

He also hoped Slovakia would play a role in promoting a Sino-EU comprehensive and strategic partnership.

Paska said Slovakia attached importance to relations with China and would step up cooperation on trade and public health to cement bilateral ties.

Paska arrived here Monday for a five-day visit to China as guest of Chinese top legislator Wu Bangguo.

(Xinhua News Agency November 21, 2008)