Relations between Slovakia and the Czech Republic at the parliamentary level have been “reset to where they should be”, Slovak Speaker Richard Raši (HLAS-SD) said after a joint meeting with representatives of the Czech Chamber of Deputies, led by Speaker Tomio Okamura (SPD).The meeting was held on Monday on the Slovak–Czech border, at Veľká Javorina and in the village of Lubina.
Raši said it was the largest joint gathering of Slovak and Czech parliamentary representatives since the split of Czechoslovakia, with broad participation from MPs, committee chairs, friendship groups, ambassadors, and youth representatives.
According to Okamura the Czech government aims not only to restore but also to further deepen ties with Slovakia. He added that both countries share similar views on key European issues, including emissions policies. Key topics at the meeting also included energy security, oil supplies, migration, the situation in the Middle East, and coordination on European policies.
Raši also noted that the Czech parliament has advanced a cross-border emergency healthcare agreement, while further cooperation is planned between police forces. He said both countries are finalising projects under the Interreg programme, with around 90 million euros expected to support joint initiatives.
Both sides also expressed interest in creating a joint Czech–Slovak foundation to promote shared culture, as well as an annual award recognising individuals who have made a significant contribution to bilateral relations.
Source: TASR
