Xi's visit highlights China's commitment to expanding cooperation, safeguarding nuclear security

President Xi Jinping delivers a speech at the opening plenary of the fourth Nuclear Security Summit (NSS) in Washington DC, the United States, on April 1, 2016. Provided to China Daily

BEIJING -- Chinese President Xi Jinping returned home Saturday after wrapping up a state visit to the Czech Republic and attending the the fourth Nuclear Security Summit (NSS) in Washington.

The five-day tour has again testified to China's continued efforts to promote mutually beneficial cooperation and reaffirmed China's firm commitment to safeguarding global nuclear security.

UPGRADING OF SINO-CZECH TIES

Xi's visit to the Czech Republic is the first state visit by a Chinese president in 67 years since the two countries established diplomatic ties, and also Xi's first state visit to a CEE country since he took office, said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

The Czech Republic has become an important partner of China in the Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), and one of the most active European countries keen on promoting relations with China.

The historic visit will be seen as "a milestone" in Sino-Czech relations and it has given impetus to cooperation between China and Europe, said Wang.

The two countries have agreed to elevate their bilateral relations to a strategic partnership, which Wang referred to as the most significant political achievement of Xi's Czech Republic visit.

Meanwhile, the two sides agreed to further strengthen the synergy of bilateral development strategies within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative.

Located at the heart of the European continent and with a solid foundation of industries, the Czech Republic is a key nation along the route of the Silk Road Economic Belt, Wang said, adding that it has become "a front-runner in China-CEE cooperation."

The two sides also signed an agreement on direct flights, an important start for a comprehensive cooperation in transportation, manufacturing and other fields.