Prime Minister Fiala attended the European Political Community Summit in Bulboaca near Chișinau

On Thursday, 1 June 2023, Prime Minister Petr Fiala attended the European Political Community (EPC) Summit in Bulboaca near Chisinau, where he held talks with other leaders on the topic of European security. During the summit, the Prime Minister met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili. On Friday, 2 June, the Czech Prime Minister met with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova, Dorin Recean, and the President of Moldova, Maia Sandu. Discussions with both partners focused on Moldova's integration into the EU, security issues and strengthening economic cooperation.

The second European Political Community Summit focused on European security, energy, connectivity and support for Moldova. “What is important is the format of the summit itself, where not only politicians from the European Union have the opportunity to speak, but also those from other European countries that, for example, are seeking to join the EU. This is important for Europe's security and for the other challenges we face. We met 20 km from the border of Ukraine, where there is a war going on. By doing so, we also show that we are not indifferent to what is happening in this part of Europe and we also show our support for Moldova,” said Prime Minister Fiala.

During the summit, the Prime Minister also held talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. “The Czech Government has been steadfastly supporting Ukraine materially, financially and politically and we will continue to do so to the best of our ability. We discussed with the President specific ways of supporting the Ukrainian army, including, for example, the continuation of training of Ukrainian soldiers,” said the Prime Minister.

At a meeting with Prime Minister Dorin Revan and President Maia Sandu, the Czech Prime Minister stressed that the Czech Republic stands by Moldova and supports it in coping with the consequences of the Russian aggression against Ukraine. That is why the Czech Republic has supported the establishment of a European sanctions regime against those responsible for destabilising the Republic of Moldova and has also supported the new EU Partnership Mission in Moldova, in which we will also actively participate.

The politicians also discussed strengthening cooperation in a number of areas. “We are interested in deepening our cooperation in the defence industry, Czech companies have excellent prerequisites to participate in the modernisation of the Moldovan army. Moldova is moving towards increasing defence spending and modernising its armed forces, including air defence, and is interested in purchasing our radars,” said Prime Minister Fiala. The Czech Republic plans to open an office of the Defence Envoy in Chisinau this August. This will help revitalise bilateral cooperation, find new opportunities for cooperation and better share information on the security environment in the region.

The Prime Minister also visited the Heroes Cemetery in Chisinau. A contract was signed between the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic and the Moldovan side on the restoration of the Czechoslovak Legionaries' memorial in this cemetery, for which the Czech Republic will provide half a million crowns.