President of the Republic of Poland Lech Kaczynski on official visit in Slovakia

President of the Republic of Poland Lech Kaczynski and his wife paid an official visit to the Slovak Republic. The welcome ceremony in the courtyard of the Presidential Palace was followed by bilateral discussions of the delegations.

After the talks, President Ivan Gašparovič expressed his pleasure of accepting his invitation by the Polish President. The President of Slovakia stated that the bilateral relations between the countries are very good and have many common points of view regarding current issues. Among the topics of the agenda were the prospects of the European Union, the European Constitution Treaty, functioning of the V4 group in the future, as well as forthcoming mutual economic co-operation. President Gašparovič pointed out to the high quality of the economic co-operation between Poland and Slovakia and to their favourable trade balance, and added that the talks dealt also with the issues of mutual co-operation in the field of infrastructure and highway constructing.

President Lech Kazcynski underlined the significance of his visit to Slovakia in the context of his interest to visit all the countries Poland considers important. From this point of view, he takes Slovakia as a crucial partner in terms of culture, language and common membership in the Euro-Atlantic structures. The Polish President confirmed and appreciated increasing trade exchange of both countries and stressed the interest of Poland to take part in infrastructure projects for road and highway construction.

Regarding the European Constitution Treaty, both partners agreed on the need to submit a new document. „The revival of the European Constitution in its original version is not possible,“ added Mr Gašparovič. „The way the European Constitution Treaty was prepared can hardly be submitted for discussions and approval. I would say that the essence of its content for the EU would be used for a new concept. President Kaczynski is of the same opinion.“

Considering the V4 group, Mr Kaczynski presented a proposal to „catalogue issues“ according to a rule that some problems can be settled within the V4 group while the others within the EU. The President also advocated a homogenous policy of the V4 countries towards the EU. Both Presidents agreed on the importance of a stronger co-operation within the V4 countries. President Gašparovič said that Slovakia was aware of the fact that „the V4 group had already gained international credit. The fact that other countries are willing to collaborate with the V4 countries confirms the positive attitude towards the V4 group.“