Poland and China sign strategic partnership deal

President Andrzej Duda and President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping have signed a strategic partnership deal, which states that both countries view themselves as long-term and stable strategic partners. "Both countries, in a spirit of mutual respect, equal treatment and mutually beneficial cooperation, will strengthen their cooperation in political, economic, social, cultural and other areas...as well as raise the level of bilateral relations in a comprehensive manner to ensure benefit for both nations," it read. Speaking after a meeting with President Duda, Xi Jinping said his visit is the first trip of the General Secretary of the Communist Party of China to Poland in 12 years. The chairman said that he reached agreement with Andrzej Duda over formulating a Chinese-Polish cooperation plan, establishing a steering committee for industrial cooperation, developing the communication and information area, as well as strengthening investment in infrastructure and logistics. "I am convinced that Poland may continue to play a huge role in linking China with Europe," Jinping said. Meanwhile, deputy Minister of Development Radosław Domagalski said on Monday at a Polish-Chinese business forum that Poland is ready to open special zones dedicated to Chinese investors and Poland may become China's gateway to Europe.