Scheduled Events

7. 3. 200812:21

March 8, 2008: Premier To Visit Jordan and Israel

On Saturday, March 8, 2008, Prime Minister Mirek Topolánek of the Czech Republic leaves for an official visit to Jordan. The purpose of his visit is to foster mutual relations between the two countries. The topics under debate will include, inter alia, current developments in the Middle East, and other political and economic issues. The Czech delegation will visit, for instance, the Aqaba Special Economic Zone, established by the Jordanian government in an effort to attract foreign investors.

On the following day, Sunday, March 9, the Czech Premier will meet in Amman his Jordanian opposite number Nadir Dahabí, will be received by Chairman of the Senate of the Jordanian Parliament Zeid Al Rifa´i, and by Chairman of the House of Deputies Abdul Hamid Al Majali. The climax of the Czech Premier´s visit to Jordan will be an audience with the King of Jordan Abdullah II in the “Beit Al-Urdun“ Palace.

Later in the day, the Czech Government delegation will leave for Israel.

The Czech-Israeli relations are known to have strong historical roots dating back to the period before the establishment of the State of Israel (60 years ago). At present, Israel is one of the Czech Republic’s most important trading and economic partners in the Middle and Near East. Seen in this light, continued efforts to raise the dynamic pace of mutual trade exchange will figure among the issues to be discussed. Bilateral talks will also focus on political cohesion among the countries supporting the democratic principles, and on joint approach in promoting international security and fighting terrorism. After his arrival in Tel Aviv, Czech Premier Mire Topolánek will meet President Shimon Peres.

On Monday, March 10, 2008 - after sightseeing in Jerusalem - the Czech Premier will hold talks with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. Then the members of the Czech delegation will lay down wreaths at the Memorial and Museum of the Martyrs of the Holocaust Yad Vashem. The Czech Prime Minister will start his programme on Tuesday, March 11, 2008, the final day of his working visit to Israel, by meeting leader of the opposition Likud Party Benjamin Netanahu. Other items on the programme include welcoming ceremony at the Knesset and reception by its Chairperson Dalie Itzik, participation in a Czech-Israeli business seminar, and opening of an exhibition entitled “They Have Survived Hell“ in the Czech Embassy.


Press Department of the Office of the Czech Republic