Prague, November 22 (IANS). European country Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala met the newly elected President of the European Council Antonio Costa. In this meeting he discussed his country’s cooperation with the Council and the main priorities of the European Union (EU) for the coming years.
According to a statement from the Czech government, Prime Minister Fiala discussed with EU President Costa the functioning of the European Council and determining its priorities for the coming period, Xinhua news agency reported.
“Many important decisions await us. Our priorities for this new term are primarily to strengthen security and enhance the EU’s competitiveness and economic growth,” Fiala said.
The two leaders discussed the agenda of the next meeting of the European Council which is scheduled to be held by the end of December. Their discussions also included support for Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, the future EU budget and EU enlargement.
Earlier on Thursday, Czech President Petr Pavel also held talks with EU President Costa. During these talks they “discussed the Czech Republic’s current challenges and priorities and agreed on the need for a united and strong Europe.”
Costa, a former Portuguese prime minister, will succeed Charles Michel as head of the European Council on December 1.
–IANS
PSM/AS
