The Prime Minister has met with the Federal Chancellor of Austria Werner Faymann

On Thursday 31 July 2014 Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka received a visit by the Federal Chancellor of Austria Werner Faymann. They discussed the development of cross-border transport infrastructure and the modernisation of rail links. Other topic of the meeting was enhancing Czech-Austrian intergovernmental relations at the intergovernmental and regional level.

The bilateral topics discussed by the two prime ministers included key cross-border transport infrastructure projects, particularly the construction of a high-capacity road between Brno and Vienna and preparations for the construction of the expressway to link České Budějovice with Linz.

“The completion of the expressways across the Austrian border in South Moravia and South Bohemia is one of the Czech government’s key priorities in terms of transport infrastructure. The same is true for rail links, where we would like to cut journey times Prague, Brno and Vienna,” said Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka after the meeting.

The construction of a modern cross-border road link with Austria will greatly boost the economic development of the Czech Republic. Austria is a highly important economic partner for the Czech Republic and is ranked third as far as foreign investments are concerned.

During the meeting Prime Minister Sobotka personally introduced Chancellor Faymann to the Czech Republic’s candidate for membership of the European Commission, Věra Jourová. Prime Minister and the Chancellor also discussed current European issues and the establishment of new European institutions after the elections to the European Parliament.

“Czech-Austrian relations are very good, with intense communication, and we are able to work very effectively for the benefit of our citizens,” added Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka.

Both prime ministers also agreed on a trilateral meeting between representatives of the Czech Republic, Austria and Slovakia, at which they will discuss closer neighbourly cooperation.

This was the second time Prime Minister Sobotka had met Federal Chancellor Werner Faymann; the first meeting was held as part of the Czech Prime Minister's visit to Vienna in June 2014.