In Prague, President Zatlers Discusses Security, Economics, Co-operation in Education
By admin at 7 September, 2010, 1:19 pm
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President of Latvia Valdis Zatlers and First Lady Lilita Zatlere began a two-day official state visit to the Czech Republic today.
After an official greeting at the Prague Castle, President Zatlers met with Czech President Václav Klaus to discuss the bilateral relationship between the two countries. The two presidents exchanged views about the economic situation in Europe and shared information about how their countries have sought to overcome the economic crisis. President Zatlers pointed to the need to think about future development in this process: “The durability and sustainability of our country’s development will depend on how wisely we act when economic recovery begins,” he said.
The two leaders also discussed strategic security, the NATO mission in Afghanistan, as well as preparations for this November’s NATO summit. They spoke about the need to work together with the United States in pursuit of Transatlantic security. President Zatlers and President Klaus also discussed regional partnership issues. The Latvian president particularly emphasised Latvia’s role in the European Union’s Eastern Partnership programme.
Later, President Zatlers met with the speaker of the Czech House of Representatives, Miroslava Nĕmcová to discuss partnership between the two countries in the fields of education and culture. President Zatlers said that if there are strong foundations of co-operation in these two areas, then it becomes easier to develop economic contacts, as well.
President Zatlers and Speaker Nĕmcová also discussed constitutional law in terms of the foundations of a parliamentary system, shortcomings therein, and possible constitutional changes in this regard.
President Zatlers also met with the Lord Mayor of Prague, Pavel Bém, today and toured City Hall in the Czech capital.
From there, the President attended the opening of an exhibition called “The Baltic Way that Moved the World,” which was also attended by Latvians who live in Prague. President Zatlers told the gathering that the Prague Spring and the Baltic Way had a similar effect on the ability of people to see the value of human rights and freedoms. Indeed, both inspired people to fight for freedom.
First Lady Zatlere, for her part, met with Czech First Lady Livia Klausová and toured the Prague Castle and Cathedral.
In the evening, Latvia’s First Couple attended a state banquet organised by the Czech President and First Lady in their honour.
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