They should expand trade links and achieve a balanced growth in two-way trade, increase mutual investments, expand areas of cooperation and oppose protectionism.

Visiting Chinese President Hu Jintao (R, front), accompanied by Slovakian President Ivan Gasparovic, inspect the honor guard during a welcoming ceremony in Bratislava, capital of Slovakia June 18, 2009.[Xinhua]

Different forms of cooperation should be encouraged in such fields as infrastructural construction, new energy, agriculture and environmental protection.

In responding to the impact of the international financial crisis, the two countries should also strengthen communication, share experiences and push for the reform of international financial systems.

Third, cultural exchanges and cooperation should be expanded with more substance and the two sides should learn from each other for common development, he said.

Fourth, there should be strengthened coordination and consultation between the two countries in international and regional organizations such as the United Nations, as well as closer multilateral cooperation in efforts to make joint contributions to world peace and stability, he said.

Chinese President Hu Jintao (L) and Slovakian President Ivan Gasparovic meet with journalists after their talks in Bratislava, capital of Slovakia June 18, 2009.[Xinhua]

Agreeing entirely with Hu's views, Gasparovic said the Chinese president's visit is of great significance to promoting bilateral cooperation in various fields and friendly relations between the two countries.

Slovakia will continue to adhere to the one-China policy, he said.

Only through concerted efforts of all countries in the world could the crisis be tackled in an effective way.

The Slovakian president said his country welcomes more investments from China and is ready to promote reciprocal cooperation in the fields of science and technology, energy, new energy, infrastructure, machinery, tourism and agriculture.

Hu, currently on a three-nation tour, arrived in Bratislava earlier in the day after concluding a state visit to Russia. He will also visit Croatia.

Earlier this week, the Chinese president attended the annual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and a meeting of the BRIC countries -- Brazil, Russia, India and China, in the Russian city of Yekaterinburg.

(Xinhua News Agency June 19, 2009)