Chancellor Angela Merkel in Prague
On Friday Chancellor Angela visited Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš in Prague. Their meeting firstly marked the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Czechoslovak Republic. Angela Merkel underlined the fact that the two countries cooperate well within the EU and pointed to the close links between German and Czech industry.
Chancellor Angela Merkel meets Andrej Babiš, Prime Minister of the Czech Republic in Prague
Photo: Bundesregierun/Denzel
Today Germany "can be very happy that we live together in friendship and cooperate closely," stressed the Chancellor at a joint press conference with the Czech Prime Minister, Andrej Babiš.
100 years since the Czechoslovak Republic became independent
The Chancellor congratulated the people of the Czech Republic on the 100th anniversary of their independence. She also conveyed her "warmest greetings and congratulations" to the people of the Slovak Republic.
Czechoslovakia was founded on 28 October 1918 by a declaration of independence.
After what has become known as the "Velvet Revolution" in 1993, the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic were founded. The term "Velvet Revolution" was coined to reflect the non-violent transition from real socialism back to democracy.
EU issues discussed over working lunch
Angela Merkel and Andrej Babiš met most recently at the European Council meeting in Brussels. In September the Czech Prime Minister also visited the Chancellor in Berlin. "We cooperate well within the framework of the European Union," declared Angela Merkel. That is why she is happy to continue the regular meetings between the two states in Prague for a change, she added.
Strategic dialogue
Since 2015, the German government has conducted a strategic dialogue with the Czech government. This reflects the close partnership between the two countries. The two governments discuss a wide range of issues and encourage two-way exchange between their parliaments, federal states and regional authorities.
Alongside bilateral issues, the strategic dialogue also has a European-policy focus, addressing issues such as migration and the European Neighbourhood Policy.
Close economic cooperation
At the meeting in Prague, the Chancellor also underscored the close economic cooperation that the two countries enjoy. "The volume of trade is worth almost 90 billion euros - that is truly remarkable," said Angela Merkel. She also expressed her pleasure that there is close technical and scientific cooperation between the Czech Republic and Germany on "industry 4.0" - the digitalisation of traditional industry.