The relationship between China and Slovakia is developing smoothly, with bilateral and multilateral cooperation maintaining sound growth, Slovak President Ivan Gasparovic said in Bratislava on Wednesday.

Gasparovic made the remarks at a meeting in the presidential palace with Chen Jianfu, the new Chinese ambassador to Slovakia, according to the Chinese embassy in the Slovak capital.

Both countries are experiencing rapid economic growth, creating great prospects for bilateral cooperation, especially in the hi-tech and corporate investment fields, Gasparovic said.

The Slovak president spoke highly of China's role in international affairs, especially on the nuclear issues concerning the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and Iran.

He also expressed his condolences to the Chinese people over the recent devastating earthquake in China's Sichuan province.

For his part, Ambassador Chen conveyed the sincere regards of Chinese President Hu Jintao to Gasparovic.

Chen, who assumed duty as the new ambassador on May 20, presented his credentials to Gasparovic during the meeting and expressed his determination to boost Sino-Slovakian friendship and cooperation.