Press Advisories

2. 10. 2014 23:35

Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka held talks with the Macedonian Prime Minister, Nikola Gruevski

On Thursday 2 October 2014, Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka met the Prime Minister of the Republic of Macedonia, Nikola Gruevski.
On Thursday 2 October 2014, Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka met the Prime Minister of the Republic of Macedonia, Nikola Gruevski.
On Thursday 2 October, the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, Bohuslav Sobotka, met the Prime Minister of Macedonia, Nikola Gruevski, who had arrived in the Czech Republic for a three-day visit at the invitation of the Czech Prime Minister. In addition to the Prime Minister, Mr Gruevski is also meeting with the President of the CR, Miloš Zeman today. After bilateral talks, both Prime Ministers attended the launch of the Seminar on investment and business opportunities in Macedonia.

The Prime Ministers of both countries discussed education, culture, economic cooperation and possible openings for Czech companies on the Macedonian market. “Macedonia is certainly a promising business partner For the Czech Republic. Bilateral trade between the countries has shown dynamic growth over recent years, not only due to an increase in Czech exports, but also thanks to a rise in exports from Macedonia to the Czech Republic. I firmly believe that today’s visit will contribute to the further reinforcement of communications between ourselves and Macedonia, not only in the political sphere, but also in terms of trade between our country and Macedonia,“ said Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka at the press conference.

They also discussed relations between Macedonia and the European Union and NATO. At the press conference, Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka expressed his support for the accession of Macedonia to the EU and the enlargement of the EU to incorporate the Western Balkan countries. “The Czech Republic has long supported Macedonia on its path to integration into the EU and NATO. We have seen positive reports on the progress made by Macedonia in its preparations for membership of these organisations and are prepared to help in any way we can. The CR can share its experience of preparing for membership, as well as its experience of the implementation of European law and EU standards. We see the gradual integration of countries from the Western Balkans into the Euro-Atlantic structures as a way of strengthening stability, prosperity and peace throughout Europe,“ said Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka.

A Memorandum on Cooperation in Crisis Situations was signed during the press conference. In the Memorandum, both parties expressed their determination to exchange information and experience and to cooperate in training and jointly to provide humanitarian assistance where appropriate. The Memorandum was signed on behalf of the CR by the Deputy General Director of the Fire Rescue Service of the Czech Republic, František Zadina, and on behalf of Macedonia, by the Ambassador, Paskal Stojcheski.

The last official visit by Nikola Gruevski to the Czech Republic was in 2012.

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