Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala held talks with his Slovak counterpart Robert Fico here on Friday to discuss bilateral cooperation and the fight against illegal migration.
Speaking after their meeting, Fiala said on social media that his country has “strong historical ties with Slovakia,” and that they talked about cooperation in energy, transport and defense.
“Both countries are supporters of nuclear energy, and companies and experts are already cooperating,” the Czech government said in a statement, noting that several Czech companies are currently participating in the completion of Unit 4 of the Mochovce nuclear power plant in Slovakia.
The two leaders also discussed the high-speed connection between Prague and Bratislava. “We are interested in both our countries being well connected to Europe, and we are preparing high-speed lines to start construction as early as 2026,” Fiala said.
On tackling illegal migration, Fiala said a fundamental reform of the European migration policy is necessary.
“There must be steps aimed at preventing illegal migration outside the European Union, better cooperation with third countries and rapid expulsion of illegal migrants,” he said.
The Czech Republic introduced checks at its border with Slovakia in October to stem increasing illegal migration. Initially in force for 10 days, the controls have since been extended several times. Earlier this week, the Czech Republic extended the current checks until January.
Fico was in Prague on his first official visit abroad after assuming office. The Czech News Agency reported that Fico stressed that both nations hold similar positions except for the issue of arms supplies to Ukraine, which Slovakia’s new government opposes.
“I do not see it as a contradiction on value issues, we are just saying that we do not believe in a military solution to the conflict in Ukraine,” Fico was quoted as saying.
During his visit, Fico also met with Czech President Petr Pavel and Senate Speaker Milos Vystrcil.
