President of the Council Giorgia Meloni and Czech Republic’s Prime Minister Petr Fiala have highlighted the excellent relations between Italy and the Czech Republic, emphasizing the significant intensification of economic relations and political dialogue on the European and international agenda. The trade exchange between the two countries exceeded 17 billion in 2023, with over 3,000 Italian companies operating in the Czech Republic. Areas of cooperation include aerospace, defense, security, tourism, infrastructure, and energy.
Both leaders discussed key topics for the upcoming European legislative period, agreeing on the need for the EU to focus on strategic priorities such as strengthening competitiveness and economic security, which are essential for geopolitical stability. They emphasized the importance of a coherent industrial policy supported by concrete financial assistance to achieve these goals. Migration was also a central topic, with a shared emphasis on addressing the root causes through external cooperation with third countries to prevent migration flows and manage them effectively.
Italy’s Mattei plan serves as a model for building equal relationships without predatory intentions, setting a positive example for cooperation. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to continue working towards the enlargement of the EU, emphasizing the importance of European unity, especially in relation to the Western Balkans, Ukraine, Georgia, and Moldova. They highlighted the need for Europe to become a geopolitical giant and for a robust European defense industry to meet the complex demands of the international system.
In the face of ongoing international conflicts, such as Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and the Middle Eastern question, Meloni and Fiala discussed the challenges on the international agenda. They expressed their joint commitment to strengthening Ukraine’s legitimate defense, recognizing it as essential for achieving a just peace. These issues will also be at the forefront of their G7 presidency. The leaders emphasized the importance of addressing global conflicts and supporting peace efforts to ensure a more stable and secure international environment.
Prime Minister Fiala commended Italy’s cooperation initiatives with Albania as a successful model that could be expanded to address the issue of illegal immigration. He described illegal immigration as a major challenge for Europe and advocated for partnerships with non-European countries to find effective solutions. Fiala praised Italy for its role in combating illegal immigration and highlighted the need for innovative solutions beyond the current migration pact. Both Italy and the Czech Republic are committed to finding real solutions to the challenges posed by illegal immigration, demonstrating their willingness to work together to address this pressing issue.
In conclusion, the discussions between Giorgia Meloni and Petr Fiala underscored the strong bilateral ties between Italy and the Czech Republic, as well as their shared commitment to addressing key issues on the European and international agendas. The cooperation between the two countries in various sectors, including trade, defense, and migration, reflects a mutual desire to promote stability, security, and prosperity in the region. By working together on common priorities and challenges, Italy and the Czech Republic are contributing to the advancement of a united and resilient Europe.
