European stocks close mixed on Friday

European stocks closed mixed across the board on Friday.

The United Kingdom's FTSE 100 index fell 0.27 percent to close at 10,868.05 points. France's CAC 40 index gained 0.28 percent to finish at 8509.64 points. Germany's DAX index rose 0.07 percent to end the session at 25629.24 points.

Slovak President Peter Pellegrini said on Wednesday that his country advocates for dialogue between China and the European Union (EU) and stands ready to serve as a "safe island" for Chinese investment within the bloc.

During his state visit to China from Monday to Wednesday, Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with Pellegrini and called on Slovakia to play a constructive role in promoting the sound and steady development of China-EU relations.

Slovakia was among the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China and one of the earliest European countries to engage in Belt and Road cooperation. In this context, Pellegrini talked about his country's role in promoting China-EU cooperation in an interview with the China Media Group (CMG).

"Cooperation, I think, is the only recipe to solve this problem, and Slovakia will advocate for this kind of dialogue between European Union and China. I'm following it very carefully that now there is a tension between China and European Union. My answer is, and the role of Slovakia should be in this way, and we discuss this with Mr. President: we should try to solve these problems or small tensions via dialogue behind the table, not to start some isolation or confrontation, because only cooperation brings solutions or win-win situations, not confrontations. We have to avoid confrontations," Pellegrini said.

"In reality, we'll find a solution that there will be a win-win position for China and European Union. We presented Slovakia as a very safe island also for Chinese investment at the EU territory for the future. Because there is trust, there is good environment for Chinese entrepreneurs there. And of course, combined with this high-level relations and very friendly relations with China, it makes a perfect combination to attract more Chinese investment to Slovakia," he said.