Fico Holds First Bilateral Meeting with Austrian Chancellor Stocker in Vienna

Vienna, 24 June (TASR) - Slovak Premier Robert Fico (Smer-SD) met Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker in Vienna on Tuesday, TASR learnt from the Government Office's press department on the same day. The officials during their meeting agreed that the common goal of both countries is a strong, resilient and safe European Union. This was their first bilateral meeting. Fico called the relationship between Slovakia and Austria a success story of cooperation that has been lasting for more than three decades. He thanked the Austrian chancellor for his openness and partnership approach. "Slovakia values ​​friendly relations with Austria. We are interested in continuing to develop cross-border projects, for example in the field of transport and energy infrastructure or in cooperation between emergency medical services," said Fico. In addition to bilateral relations, Fico and Stocker discussed preparations for the upcoming European Council meeting, which will take place on Thursday and Friday (26 and 27 June). They also spoke about Ukraine, the current situation in the Middle East, strengthening of Europe's competitiveness and migration policy issues. The two officials confirmed their common position on the EU enlargement: Slovakia and Austria are among the biggest supporters of the EU perspective for the Western Balkan countries. Slovakia is also part of the Austrian initiative called 'Friends of the Western Balkans', pushing for fast progress in the process of the Western Balkan countries' integration into the EU. ko