China and Slovakia signed agreements in Beijing yesterday to strengthen cooperation in education and agriculture.

The agreements were signed during Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico's five-day visit to China, his first after assuming office in September. Fico will visit Southwest China's Sichuan Province, too.

Premier Wen Jiabao said the trip has shown that the Slovakian government attached great importance to its relations with China. He expected the two countries to maintain dialogue at various levels and enhance cooperation in the fields of investment, technology, information and tourism.

He told his guest from the European Union (EU) member country that China was EU's partner instead of being a threat or rival.

Fico said Slovakia had a strong desire to develop its ties with China further because there were no unsettled issues between the two countries.

He said his nation appreciated China's role in international affairs.

The Slovakian government will, as always, adhere to the one-China policy and support China's reunification cause, he said.

(China Daily 02/06/2007 page3)