Athens
, 20 February 2010
Mr. Kohout: First of all, I am very happy that my friend Dimitris Droutsas visited Prague. This is the first visit of a Greek Foreign Minister to Prague in the past 10 years. We agreed that we must have meetings to exchange views on a regular basis.
We discussed the situation in the Western Balkans and Agenda 2014, which is being promoted by Greece and Austria, and which has our full support. We also agreed on the creation of a group of friends of this idea. The Czech Republic wants to participate in this effort for the creation of specific plans, so that 2014 can really become a symbol for the further enlargement of the EU.
I am also glad that this year we are celebrating the 90th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries, as proof of our close cooperation, not only within the framework of the European Union, but also beyond that framework. I would like to thank the Greek government for the contribution of €300,000 to improve the situation of the Reconstruction Team in Logar Province, Afghanistan. This group is headed by Czech experts on development issues, and we consider the Greek contribution very important for stabilising the situation in Afghanistan. I am also glad that we had the opportunity to discuss other bilateral issues as well.
Mr. Droutsas: I don’t need to add much. I am very happy to be in Prague, and I would like to thank Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Jan Kohout, with whom I am good friends, for his warm welcome.
I am in the very pleasant position to acknowledge that our bilateral relations are at an excellent level. We focused our discussion on international issues – particularly developments in the Western Balkans and the Greek initiative, Agenda 2014. Mr. Kohout and I agreed to work together closely on this issue. We also discussed other issues, such as the situation in the Middle East, and I am pleased that on many issues our views coincide, as do our interests, within the framework of the EU. We created an effective channel for close contact so that we can coordinate our positions on many EU issues.
Once again, I would like to express my thanks for the very warm welcome I received, and I hope very soon to receive you in Athens. I would also like to thank you for the solidarity you are showing in our bilateral relations at a time that is extremely difficult and full of challenges for Greece.