While in 2021 the German president arrived in Prague by train, this time he chose a traditional air special.
The arrival of the German president roughly two hundred people watched on Hradčanské náměstí, some of them greeted Steinmeier with applause. After the anthems of both states, the politicians went inside the Castle.
The Czech Republic and Germany share a view of Russia’s war against Ukraine and the situation in Israel, Petr Pave said at a joint press conference. According to him, they also have similar positions in relation to China.
“I’m glad that we share very similar positions on a number of these issues,” said Pavel. He looks forward to continuing the discussions.
According to Steinmeier, Russia’s attack on Ukraine brought countries in the European Union and NATO closer together. “We must do our part to avert such threats by fulfilling our commitments and obligations and ensuring that NATO has the military forces and capabilities it needs,” said the German president. “We are even more convinced that our support for Ukraine must not slacken right now,” he added.
After the meeting, Pavel highlighted the German initiative to strengthen air defense for Ukraine, according to him, it is of fundamental importance, because air defense and artillery ammunition are crucial for Ukraine. Steinmeier reminded that Germany is the second largest supporter of Ukraine after the USA. According to him, the aid mainly concerns anti-aircraft defense, where Germany has contributed the latest technology to the fact that Ukraine can defend itself against attacksm. He also appreciated the Czech initiative to purchase ammunition, in which Germany is participating.
On Tuesday, Steinmeier, alongside Pavel, will deliver a speech at the conference celebrating 20 years of the Czech Republic in the European Union at Prague Castle, in the afternoon, he will meet with Prime Minister Petr Fiala at the Straka Academy (ODS). The program also includes a meeting with representatives of Czech Jewish communities, a walk in the footsteps of Franz Kafka or the international musical and cultural project of the Czech Republic and Germany, Musica non grata, organized by the National Theater and financially supported by the German Embassy.
