On the afternoon of June 25, 2005, President Hu Jintao met with Prime Minister Jiri Paroubek of the Czech Republic in the Great Hall of the People.

Hu Jintao said that the Chinese people and the Czech people enjoy a profound traditional friendship. The Czech Republic is among the first to acknowledge and establish diplomatic ties with new China. In recent years, although the international and domestic situation have changed a lot, the relations between both sides have maintained continuous and steady progress, with the cooperation in various fields incessantly expanded. Leaders of the two countries have maintained frequent contacts and mutual political trust has been deepened. The economic and trade cooperation has been developing rapidly. The bilateral trade volume has been on the rise successively. The exchange and cooperation in the field of culture, education, science and technology is getting increasingly active. Both sides have carried out good cooperation in such international organizations as the UN.

Hu expressed that the Chinese side appreciates the Czech government for its adherence to the one-China policy and its active efforts to develop relations with China. China treats the Czech Republic as an important partner. The Chinese side is willing to further deepen the mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields and drive the bilateral relationship to a new stage based upon the principle of mutual respect, seeking common ground while putting aside differences, equality, mutual benefit and common development.

Talking of China-EU relations, Hu said that the current China-EU relationship is in the most vibrant and fruitful period since the establishment of diplomatic ties. The cooperation and exchange in various fields between both sides enjoy extensive contents and plentiful fruits. China attaches great importance to developing China-EU strategic partnership. We believe that the European Union (EU) can conquer the temporary difficulties and continue to promote the integration course. We are willing to see that the EU plays more important roles in regional and international affaires.

Paroubek said that the Czech side feels satisfied with the smooth development of bilateral relations and the rapid growth of bilateral trade in recent years. Currently the relationship between the two sides is facing an opportunity for further development. The bilateral economic and trade cooperation enjoys vast potentials. More and more Czech people are interested in the long history and rich culture of China. The Czech side is willing to make joint efforts with the Chinese side to expand the cooperation in the field of economy, trade, investment and tourism, strengthen exchanges in culture and sports as well as promote the faster development of bilateral relationship. Paroubek reaffirmed that the Czech government will continue to adhere to the one-China policy and will never support any separatist activities aimed at Taiwan's independence. The Czech Republic will continue to support the EU to further the relationship with China.

State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan and Tang Guoqiang the Chinese Ambassador to the Czech Republic were present at the meeting.