China and the Czech Republic should expand youth exchanges and reinforce exchanges and cooperation in winter sports programs, President Xi Jinping said when meeting with Czech President Milos Zeman.

Xi noted that the two countries built a bilateral strategic partnership last year, which ushered in a new era of ties, and the relationship is continuing its rapid development.

China is ready to work with the Czech Republic to move the relationship to a higher level, and the two sides should further uphold the political basis of mutual respect, Xi said.

They should boost cooperation in high-speed railways, nuclear power and finance, and continue expanding exchanges in education, culture, science and technology, health, tourism, and film and TV, Xi said.

The planning by the countries to build the Belt and Road Initiative is the first of its kind between China and the European countries, and it serves as a good example, Xi said. China expects other Central and Eastern European countries to similarly help build the initiative, Xi added.

Zeman said the Czech Republic is China's friend, and the bilateral friendship and cooperation has deepened.

The Czech Republic supports the initiative and is ready to participate within its framework, particularly in areas like trade, finance and infrastructure, Zeman said.

The two leaders also witnessed the signing of cooperative documents involving areas such as building the initiative, small and medium-sized enterprises and health.