Czech President Zeman makes 2018 re-election bid official

Czech President Milos Zeman arrives to announces his decision to run for another term as president at Prague Castle in Prague, Czech Republic March 10, 2017. REUTERS/David W Cerny

PRAGUE (Reuters) - Czech President Milos Zeman launched his 2018 re-election bid on Friday, saying he had decided to run due to his strong public support and because he wanted to offer continuity.

Zeman, who has pushed for better ties with Russia and China and backed Donald Trump in the U.S. presidential race, has been a polarising figure in Czech politics, drawing protests in large cities but rallies in smaller towns where he gets his support.