Prime Minister Sobotka holds meeting with Italian Foreign Minister Gentiloni

The main topic of discussion was the European agenda. On the question of migration both partners agreed on the need to weaken the migration flowing uncontrollably into Europe, and on efforts to avoid a repetition of the scenario from 2015.

Another topic for the meeting was the situation in the Middle East and the fight against international terrorism. Prime Minister Sobotka and Foreign Minister Gentiloni spoke of the involvement of both countries in the activities of the Global Alliance against ISIL and the options for Czech Republic–Italy cooperation in training Iraqi police units as part of support for the stabilisation of Iraq.

During the meeting Prime Minister Sobotka expressed his appreciation at the growth of bilateral economic cooperation. Trade turnover with Italy reached a record 286 bn CZK in 2015. On a global scale, Italy is the Czech Republic’s sixth largest trading partner. Significant investment has also come into the Czech Republic from Italy in the banking sector, transport engineering and the food industry.