As the Slovak delegation headed by Prime Minister Robert Fico concludes its trip to China, opposition parties voice concerns over the recently established “strategic partnership” with Beijing, according to Euractiv.
Chinese President Xi Jinping also announced a renewed “strategic partnership” between Beijing and Bratislava. The visit, which runs from 30 October to 5 November, includes the signing of several agreements to strengthen bilateral co-operation and discuss the war in Ukraine. Fico said China could play a key role in the peaceful resolution of the conflict.
Meanwhile, Juraj Krúpa, a defence and security expert from the opposition SaS party, said on Monday:
Fico is once again serving Russian propaganda by claiming that the war in Ukraine will not end as long as the West continues to support Ukraine. He is hypocritically silent about the fact that China and North Korea are directly helping Russia.
Milan Majerský, leader of the opposition KDH party, expressed concerns on Sunday that increased ties with China could lead to the arrival of Chinese secret police in Slovakia, as reported in Hungary. The visit was also criticised by leading opposition party Progressive Slovakia.
Fico’s delegation included several ministers and representatives of more than 70 companies. The two parties signed 13 co-operation documents, including various memoranda of understanding in the fields of trade and investment, transport, tourism, environment and culture.
As part of the partnership, the two countries agreed to introduce a 15-day visa-free programme for Slovak citizens with China, and Fico announced plans to establish direct air links between Bratislava and Beijing.
