Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala, representing the Civic Democratic Party (ODS), expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden at the White House, regarding it as a pivotal opportunity to advance Czech-U.S. relations. Scheduled for April 15, Fiala envisions the meeting to be more than just ceremonial, emphasizing a focus on practical cooperation between the two nations, particularly in economic and security realms.

In a statement conveyed to CTK by government spokeswoman Lucie Jesatkova, Fiala remarked, “I appreciate the invitation to the White House and I am happy to meet President Biden in Washington. The Czech Republic has excellent relations with the United States, and our meeting is a great opportunity to further develop them. It is symbolic that the meeting is taking place during the 25th anniversary of our accession to NATO.”

Fiala highlighted the broad scope of potential discussions at the White House, anticipating fresh impetus for economic and defense collaboration, alongside other facets of the bilateral relationship. This sentiment follows his meeting with former U.S. President Bill Clinton, where Fiala underscored the significance of Czech-U.S. relations and regarded the invitation to the White House as a testament to their quality.

The White House, echoing Fiala’s sentiments, disclosed that discussions between Fiala and Biden would reaffirm unwavering support for Ukraine while delving into shared priorities encompassing security, economic opportunities, and democratic values.

From the Czech Foreign Ministry’s perspective, the visit signifies a reaffirmation of excellent bilateral relations and underscores robust transatlantic ties. Daniel Drake, spokesman for the Foreign Ministry, emphasized the diplomatic significance of the event, highlighting its role in cementing ties between the two nations.

The announcement of Fiala’s meeting with President Biden comes nearly five years after the last visit of a Czech Prime Minister to the White House in 2019, underscoring the continuity and significance of Czech-U.S. diplomatic engagements across successive administrations. As both nations navigate complex global challenges, the forthcoming dialogue epitomizes a commitment to deepening cooperation and fostering mutual prosperity and security.

Article by Prague Forum