CZECH REPUBLIC: Presidents of Hungary, Poland and Slovakia arrive for Visegrad 4 summit

The presidents of three Central European countries were welcomed in the Czech Republic on Friday (September 15), before beginning a two day Visegrad 4 summit. Czech president Vaclav Klaus greeted Hungarian president Laszlo Solyom, Polish president Lech Kaczynski and Slovakian president Ivan Gasparovic in the Royal town of Slany, were a large crowd had gathered to welcome them. The Visegrad 4 is a grouping of the four countries, who are work together to discuss common issues and interests in the region. The group says its activities are aimed at strengthening stability in the region, as well as showing their ability to integrate into larger structures such as the European Union. On Friday, the four presidents inspected a guard of honour and were given welcome gifts. "The Visegrad 4 is well known all around the world, and it is a symbol of assurance of stability in Central Europe," said Solyom to the gathered crowd. "I am sure, our plenary and bilateral meetings will be successful, because this hearty welcome is a good precursor for it," he added. The presidents walked through the crowds to attend the opening of a renovated fountain which was dedicated to them in honour of the occasion, and then travelled the thirty kilometres to Lany Castle where the two day summit is being held.

ITN Source | September 18, 2006

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