Official announcements from the Chinese government or major news outlets

China Grants Slovakia Visa-Free Entry as Ties Elevated to Strategic Partnership

Nov 1, 2024, 11:31 AM

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico arrived in Beijing on Thursday for an official visit to China at the invitation of Chinese Premier Li Qiang, from October 31 to November 5. Calling it "the most important trip of the year," Fico met with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday, where they agreed to elevate China-Slovakia relations to a strategic partnership, issuing a joint statement to that effect in the year marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries. The leaders discussed strengthening cooperation in new energy, transport and logistics, and infrastructure construction. Following the meeting, China decided to grant Slovak citizens a 15-day visa-free entry into the country, effective November 1. China's top legislator Zhao Leji and Premier Li Qiang also held talks with Fico during his visit.