Press Advisories

17. 4. 201421:40

Czech Premier and French President Avow Good Relations between Their Countries

Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka met with French President François Holland during a two-day trip to France. Apart from cooperation on European issues, the main topic they discussed was the deepening of the strategic partnership between France and the Czech Republic. Sobotka's working trip will continue on Friday with a meeting with French Premier Manuel Valls.

During the meeting, the Czech prime minister assured the French president that the new Czech Cabinet intends to develop further the excellent relations between the two countries, including cooperation at the EU level. Considering that France is one of the nations that were behind the idea of European integration, the new Czech Cabinet will strive to ensure that the Czech Republic will participate in the EU's integration efforts as an articulate and reliable partner.

"France is a country with which the Czech Republic has had excellent long-term relations, with regard to not only political issues, but also economic cooperation. Today, I informed President Holland of the priorities of the new Czech Cabinet, specifically our goal to return to the center stage of the European integration process and to take active part in the pan-European debate about the strengthening of the EU's foreign and security policies," explained Sobotka.

Other topics the premiers discussed included support for economic growth, creation of new employment opportunities, and increase in competitiveness in both countries. Sobotka also mentioned that the two countries share a similar standpoint on climate protection and the development of nuclear energy.

France is the Czech Republic's prominent trading partner and a source of numerous direct foreign investments, which often involve innovation and state-of-the-art technologies in such areas as the automotive and electronics industries as well as in the services sector.
One of the Czech government's priorities is to support academic exchange, cooperation on research and development, and the establishment of contacts between innovation-oriented businesses that specialize in advanced technologies.

On the second day of the working trip – completed on a regular flight to demonstrate Sobotka's civil and cost-conscious approach to holding public office – will be dedicated to a meeting with Prime Minister Manuel Valls. Issues to be discussed include Europe's energy security, the development of mutual trade, cooperation on defense, and the deepening of partnerships between Czech and French cultural and educational institutions.

During his visit to France, Premier Sobotka will voice support for his associates from the French Socialist Party. At a conference held on the eve of the campaign for the upcoming elections to the European Parliament, the Czech prime minister will meet the recently elected Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo, President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz, the Spanish electoral campaign leader Elena Valenciano, and Jean-Christophe Cambadélis, a deputy for the Paris constituency and the First Vice-President of the Party of European Socialists (PES).