The Czech Republic is interested in deepening cooperation with Germany in energy, science, research and development, digitization and cyber security. His Czech counterpart Petr Pavel said this after today’s meeting with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier in Prague. According to him, Germany is a strategic partner.
After a joint press conference, the two presidents honored the memory of the victims of the December shooting at the Faculty of Arts of Charles University. Slovak President Zuzana Čaputová also honored the monument at the building about a month ago.
According to Pavel, states are linked economically, historically, culturally and at the level of interpersonal relations. Almost a third of Czech exports go to Germany, and the country is also the third largest investor in the Czech Republic. “We are interested in further developing these relationships and in moving from the role of a subcontractor nowadays to the role of a partner and innovator,” remarked Pavel.
In addition to deepening cooperation in energy, in science and research, in digitization and cyber security, one of the main goals is also a greater infrastructural connection of the Czech Republic with Bavaria and Saxony, according to Pavel.
According to Steinmeier, relations between the Czech Republic and Germany have never been better than now. According to him, relations between like-minded states are more important than ever in times of upheaval.
The heads of state met at a time when the Czech Republic is commemorating 20 years since joining the European Union. Both presidents will also speak at a conference on this topic at Prague Castle on Tuesday. Steinmeier also noted that the strategic interest of both countries and the entire Union is the enlargement of the EU. According to him, Germany supports the Western Balkan countries, Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia in joining the bloc. The Czech Republic has had the same attitude for a long time.
Both presidents were asked about the current situation in Slovakia, and both mentioned the planned meeting with the new head of state, Peter Pellegrini, who will take office in mid-June. “I think it is necessary to look at things with a little distance, not to judge everything according to statements, but according to real actions,” said Pavel. For example, in relation to Ukraine, according to him, the situation is different than before the elections, support for the attacked country continues at different levels.
“As for other things, such as the situation of the media and the courts, it will probably be necessary to wait to see how the situation develops concretely, and then take a position on it,” he added. Steinmeier said that his country is following developments in Slovakia, but first he wants to talk to Pellegrini.
Unlike Germany and the Czech Republic, Slovakia does not send Ukraine military material from the army stockpile. After a joint meeting between the Slovak and Ukrainian governments, Prime Minister Robert Fico, for example, talked about an agreement to strengthen the energy connections of the two countries, a new railway connection and the modernization of the joint border crossing. The head of the Slovak government also supported Kyiv’s ambitions to join the EU.
Tags: IMAGE Pavel connect Czech Republic Germany Steinmeier celebrate enlargement Prague
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