This was subsequently recognised by the two successor states, the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic. Relations between the two states is "exceptionally good", said Chancellor Angela Merkel after a meeting in Prague with Petr Nečas, Prime Minister of the Czech Republic.

Cooperation does not stop at Berlin and Prague, but can be found at many different levels, declared Merkel. That is why relations are also so good between individual German states and the Czech Republic, and between many municipalities in the two states.

The European fiscal pact and energy issues were on the agenda of talks between the two heads of government.

Shared principles in European economic policy

Petr Nečas stressed that his country was very much interested in ensuring a stable euro. The Czech Republic will meet the conditions laid out in the European fiscal pact, even if it has declined to sign it.

The Chancellor pointed out how important it is that Prague takes the Stability and Growth Pact seriously. "Although the Czech Republic has not signed up for the fiscal pact at this time, we know that the Czech government has left itself the option of doing so at a later date."

The objectives laid out in the fiscal pact and the target of improving competitiveness have the full support of both states, reported Angela Merkel.

Transparent security discussion on Temelin

The Czech Prime Minister promised to provide Germany with detailed information about the planned extension to the Temelin nuclear power plant. Petr Nečas stressed that the Czech Republic did not intend to keep anything secret from its German neighbours.

The Chancellor expressed her pleasure that the discussion about nuclear safety can be conducted in a transparent manner. "Each of our states respects the political decisions of the other, and we are in favour of a single energy market because we see every day how closely our countries depend on one another in energy issues."

The Chancellor’s trip closed with a visit to the Charles University where she spoke with law students about the future shape of Europe.