BRATISLAVA: Chinese President Hu Jintao met with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico on Friday and they exchanged views on strengthening bilateral relations.

Hu said Slovakia is an important country in Central and Eastern Europe and a trustworthy friend and partner of China in the European Union (EU).

It is in the fundamental interests of the two countries and the two peoples to promote China-Slovakia friendly cooperation, particularly in the economic field, He noted.

Hu added that this cooperation will be conducive to the joint efforts to tackle the current financial crisis and seek economic recovery.

Therefore, he said, both countries should take enhancing economic and trade cooperation as a priority of developing their relations.

The global financial crisis has left a negative impact on bilateral trade, said the Chinese president. But he said China is willing to work with Slovakia to take effective measures to boost the two-way trade.

During his visit, entrepreneurs from both countries are making progress in cooperation through broader contacts, Hu said, expressing hope that more achievements be made in the future.

He called for more mutual investments and said the Chinese side welcomes Slovakian enterprises to invest in China.

Both sides should explore new ways of investment and different forms of cooperation in such fields as infrastructure construction, new energy, agriculture, forestry and environmental protection, Hu said.

Cooperation areas should be expanded for a win-win result, he added.

Hu also urged consultations on the global financial crisis and asked for strengthened coordination in macroeconomic policies of the two countries.

Fico hailed Hu's visit, calling it an indication that China gives priority to developing its relations with Slovakia and the EU.

Congratulating the 60th birthday of the People's Republic of China and the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries, Fico said he admires the great achievements China has made in national development.

Speaking highly of the sound strategic cooperation and close political ties between the two sides, Fico said Slovakia is ready to take the opportunity of Hu's visit to enhance economic cooperation of mutual benefit.

More investment from Chinese companies is welcome, he said.

Hu arrived in Slovakia on Thursday for a state visit. He will leave for Croatia later Friday.?