Prime Minister Babiš discusses mutual economic and defence co-operation with German Chancellor Merkel, European issues also discussed

On Friday, 26 October 2018, Prime Minister Andrej Babiš received Angela Merkel, the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany in the Kramář Villa. The Chancellor travelled to Prague on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the establishment of independent Czechoslovakia. They discussed economic and defence co-operation between the two countries and also found time for current European issues.

"I very much appreciate the fact that the Federal Chancellor has come to Prague today, when our celebrations of the centenary of the establishment of independent Czechoslovakia are culminating. We are meeting in a villa built by the first Czechoslovak Prime Minister Karel Kramář, a place of great symbolism", said the Czech Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister also pointed out that Germany is a key partner for the Czech Republic, with whom we share a number of common interests, including economics and foreign policy. Very good relations are also attested to by the intense dialogue regularly held by Prime Minister Babiš and Chancellor Merkel at European Council meetings and on other similar occasions.

"Our relations are very good. Our economic cooperation is excellent. We are pleased that 6,000 German companies have invested in the Czech Republic, investing not only in production but also in science and research, which is very important. I meet their representatives, and I think we know exactly what their needs are, and our cooperation is certainly very good", commented Prime Minister Babiš, pointing out the positive role of the Czech-German strategic dialogue.

Both politicians also touched upon European issues. They agreed that the European Union needs functioning cooperation in key areas such as the internal market and freedom of movement; according to Prime Minister Babiš, the European Union must move towards integrity of the continent. Migration was also discussed. In this context, Prime Minister Babis reiterated that the key to stopping illegal migration is a systemic solution outside the European continent and economic cooperation with African countries to stop this illegal migration.