Foreign Secretary David Miliband met Czech Prime Minister Mirek Topolánek on Thursday 18 December, ahead of the Czech Republic's assumption of the EU Presidency on 1st January.

The meeting focused on the priorities for the six-month presidency, including the EU's external relations, and the progress of EU membership negotiations in the Western Balkans.

David Miliband said:

'I wish Prime Minister Topolánek every success for his country's first EU Presidency. The UK enjoys close ties with the Czech Republic, and their Presidency theme of 'Europe Without Barriers' , an outward-looking and dynamic EU, is something we very much support. I look forward to working with our Czech colleagues over the next six months and beyond.'

Notes for Editors

1. The Czech Republic will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union between 1 January and 30 June 2009. The Czech Republic was one of ten countries in central and southern Europe to join the EU in May 2004.
2. The Czech Republic's priorities for the EU during their Presidency will be the economy, energy and external relations. For more information, see: http://www.eu2009.cz/en/index.html
3. Prime Minister Topolánek also met the Prime Minister at No10 for discussions on the EU's economy and the response to the financial crisis

Czech Republic country profile

UKintheCzech Republic embassy website

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