The countries thus committed to strengthening cooperation in science and technology as equal partners.

The agreement outlines the joint R&D funding between universities, institutions and other organisations in both countries.

The cooperation will focus on various areas, including materials technology, information and communications technology, energy technology, environmental science, biological sciences, biotechnology and agriculture, the Education Ministry said in a press release.

Pikalo said he was pleased with the agreement and stressed the importance of discussions aimed to increase the collaboration including in social sciences and humanities.

Wang agreed with Pikalo, adding that China wanted stronger relations and cooperation with Slovenian science and research experts.

So far, the two countries' delegations for cooperation in science and technology have held a dozen meetings. China and Slovenia also collaborate through the EU programme Horizon 2020, with Slovenian and Chinese participants cooperating in 22 projects.

During his visit, Pikalo attended on Thursday an international artificial intelligence conference at the invitation of UNESCO, and China's Education Minister Chen Baosheng.