Photo: Zuzana Bönisch
Prague hosted a summit of the presidents of the countries within the Czech presidency of the Visegrad Group countries. In addition to President Petr Pavel, Slovak President Zuzana Čaputová attended the meeting, Hungarian President Katalin Nováková and Polish President Andrzej Duda. The main topics of the meeting were the strengthening of contacts between the citizens of the V4 countries, the use of the International Visegrad Fund, and joint infrastructure projects, such as high-speed railways.
The Czech Presidency of the V4 began on July 1, 2023 and will last for one year. Its motto is “V4 for citizens”. It follows on from the Slovak presidency and its efforts to return to the roots of Visegrad cooperation.
“Even if the opinions of V4 representatives change over time, we remain neighbors and our task is therefore to cultivate good neighborly relations. Although we may have different opinions on many issues, it is important that we know each other’s positions and know where the intersections are for our cooperation and where not. This summit was also important in that,” said President Pavel at the joint press conference of the four heads of state.
Photo: Zuzana Bönisch
The presidents also discussed the V4+ projects, which target the countries of the Western Balkans, the Eastern Partnership, and the consequences of Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine. On ways of supporting Ukraine presidents and female presidents debated at a joint lunch.
“The Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, and Hungary are located in the center of Europe. Naturally, we also solve similar geopolitical issues. Russian aggression affects us all. Support for Ukraine is therefore essential for our security. At the same time is a naturally human step. Russia must bear responsibility for the human lives lost and the damage done in Ukraine. We must therefore resolutely continue to provide comprehensive support to Ukraine and its citizens,” said President Pavel.