Xi and Pellegrini Discuss Strengthening China-Slovakia Ties

During Peter Pellegrini's three-day state visit to China, Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed China's readiness to deepen its strategic partnership with Slovakia and expand cooperation in emerging sectors, including clean energy, the digital economy, robotics, and artificial intelligence. Pellegrini urged China to improve market access for Slovak companies to help address Slovakia’s trade deficit with China.

He emphasized the importance of dialogue over confrontation between the European Union and China, warning that a trade war would not benefit either side. On the topic of artificial intelligence, both leaders agreed on the necessity of ensuring that the technology remains under human oversight.

They also discussed international conflicts, particularly the war in Ukraine, with Pellegrini asserting that diplomatic engagement is the only viable path to resolution. Pellegrini extended an invitation for Xi to visit Slovakia, to which Xi responded positively.