Strengthening Ties: Slovakia's Pivot to China for Economic Growth

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico will visit China to meet with its leaders, including President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Li Qiang, from October 30 to November 5. The visit aims to foster economic ties beyond Slovakia's traditional EU and NATO alliances, with a focus on strategic cooperation and discussions about resolving the Ukraine conflict.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico is set to visit China from October 30 to November 5, marking a significant diplomatic endeavor to strengthen economic ties beyond the European Union and NATO. According to the government, this pivotal visit aims to fortify Slovakia's alliances and broaden economic horizons.

Fico is slated to engage in talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Li Qiang, as well as participate in a business forum in Beijing. He emphasized the importance of the trip during a parliamentary session, highlighting its role in fostering strategic cooperation with China and exploring peaceful solutions for the Ukraine conflict.

Aligning with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Fico has critiqued the European Union's policies on Ukraine and sanctions on Russia. Slovakia, reliant on the auto industry, opposes EU tariffs on Chinese electric cars. During his visit, Fico will also tour the Gotion plant, which plans to set up an electric vehicle battery factory in Slovakia alongside partner InoBat.

(With inputs from agencies.)