During his two-day visit to Prague, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, together with Czech politicians, commemorated the entry of the Czech Republic into the European Union, twenty years since May 1. They also talked about defense cooperation between the two neighboring countries, energy security and Russian aggression towards Ukraine.
Steinmeier also met with representatives of Jewish communities, visited the Pinkas Synagogue and the Old Jewish Cemetery, and passed through some places associated with the Prague-born, German-writing Jewish writer Franz Kafka.
On Monday, Steinmeier met at Prague Castle with his Czech counterpart, Petr Pavl, at the same place where they both spoke at a conference commemorating the Czech Republic’s 20-year membership in the European Union. Steinmeier stated that the European Union is not indestructible and needs to be protected. At a time when the war is back in Europe, according to him, it is necessary to act decisively and proceed together. Russia will test its unity. “We will not allow ourselves to be exhausted or split,” he stated.
According to the German president, the anniversary of the accession of ten states, mainly from Central and Eastern Europe, to the EU is an opportunity to realize what the union has achieved, what is at risk and what needs to be done for a common secure future. The community has demonstrated resilience in many crises. “It would be dangerous for all of us to act as if what we have achieved is certain once and for all,” he said.
Meeting with Prime Minister Fiala
In the afternoon, Steinmeier met with Prime Minister Petr Fiala (ODS) in Kramář’s villa. They agreed on strengthening defense cooperation or energy security.
After Monday’s meeting with the German president, Pavel stated that the Czech Republic is interested in deepening cooperation with Germany in energy, science, research and development, digitization and cyber security. According to him, Germany is a strategic partner.
Steinmeier 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 held the same position for a long time. According to Pavel, the Czech Republic and Germany also share a view of Russia’s war against Ukraine or the security situation in Israel and the Gaza Strip.
The German president also included in his Monday program the commemoration of the victims of the shooting at the Faculty of Arts of Charles University in Prague, where 14 students and teachers lost their lives last December. Today he visited Prague’s Jewish town and places in the Old Town connected with the life of the writer Franz Kafka, https://twitter.com/velvyslanec_SRN/status/1785305999005327794 on the X network, the German ambassador in Prague, Andreas Künne.
At the end of the visit, Steinmeier got acquainted with the Czech-German project Musica non grata at the National Theatre. It revives the artistic legacy of composers in interwar Czechoslovakia who were persecuted by the Nazis or otherwise persecuted. It is organized by the National Theater and financially supported by the German Embassy.
Tags: Prague Steinmeier commemorated entry Czech Republic visited Jewish monuments
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