President of Austria and President of Slovakia meet in Bratislava to discuss mutual cooperation

The President of Austria and his wife paid an official visit to the Slovak Republic.

The President of the Slovak Republic, Ivan Gašparovič, discussed with the Austrian president further possibilities for mutual cooperation and its development in the area of economy, sport and culture. The Presidents also talked about the issue of international politics and the future of their countries in the European Union.

The heads of state declared an interest of Slovakia and Austria in establishing the European Institute of Innovation and Technology. The joint Slovak-Austrian candidacy is based on the principles of equal partnership of both countries; therefore, the Institute’s headquarters should be located in Bratislava as well as Vienna. Ivan Gašparovič confirmed that both presidents consider issues of education and science to be very important.

“We were always close with Austria”, Ivan Gašparovič said during the boat ride on the new super-speedy catamaran Twin City Liner. We have a common history and I think that also the future, not only in the European Union but also as far as our historical good relations are concerned. Thus I am convinced that we will continue to grow close and this is one way to do so,” the president said with regard to the new form of transportation between the capitals.

According to President Fischer, Slovakia’s accession to the Eurozone will have a positive impact on relations with Austria. “Adoption of the Euro in Slovakia will attenuate differences between the countries, support trade and economy, and contribute to the stability of the currency union,” Fischer said.