On October 9th, the Consulate General of the Czech Republic in Chengdu held a reception to mark the 100th anniversary of the Czech Republic. Mr. Li Yunze, Vice Governor of People’s Government of Sichuan Province, attended the reception and expressed his congratulations on the Consulate General and all Czech friends in Sichuan. Mr. Kautsky, Deputy Foreign Minister of the Czech Republic, attended the reception and delivered a speech.

　　Mr. Li Yunze said in his speech that since the establishment of the diplomatic relations between China and Czech Republic, especially since the establishment of the strategic partnership in 2016, the friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries have developed rapidly. The exchanges and cooperation between Sichuan and the Czech Republic have become closer, and great achievements have been scored in the areas of high-level visits, economic and trade cooperation, and humanities exchanges. The Czech Republic has secured itself as one of the largest economic and trade partners of Sichuan in Central and Eastern Europe. In 2017, the total import and export volume between the Czech Republic and Sichuan Province has reached USD 180 million, representing a year-on-year increase of 74%. He hoped that the Consulate General will function as a bridge to carry the exchanges and cooperation between Sichuan and Czech and to invite more Czech friends to Sichuan for sightseeing, tourism, and investment. This is how we can share new opportunities for Sichuan's development, and promote our friendship and cooperation to a higher level.

　　Mr. Kautsky said at the reception that the Czech Republic has been committed to deepening its bilateral relations with China, with the "Belt and Road Initiative" playing an important part of in their bilateral economic cooperation. With the help of our Consulate General in Chengdu, the Czech Republic will continue to strengthen its friendships with various cities and prefectures in Sichuan. In addition, the flight routes from Chengdu to Prague are expected to grow in number.

　　Mr. Snow, Consulate-General of the Czech Republic in Chengdu said that the number of visas issued through the Consulate General in 2017 registered a 100% year-on-year increase. The Czech Republic entertains strong desires and beautiful wishes for its cooperation with Southwest China.