Europe's 4 Visegrad nations discuss security, fighting virus
Foreign ministers of Europe's four Visegrad countries discussed cooperation to boost national economies and tourism after the pandemic
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The foreign ministers of Europe s four Visegrad countries discussed cooperation to boost national economies and tourism after the pandemic and announced free travel between the Czech Republic and Hungary for those vaccinated against COVID-19.
The meeting Friday in Lodz, central Poland, was hosted by Polish Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau and included foreign ministers from the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary. Poland currently holds the rotating leadership of the four Visegrad nations. Hungary will take over on July 1.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said close cooperation of the economies, which had been among Europe's most vibrant before the pandemic, will “assure a quick restart of our economies.”
Szijjarto said the meeting approved free travel for those who have been vaccinated between the Czech Republic and neighboring Hungary, starting Saturday. Such free travel is already possible between the Czech Republic and Poland.
“Vaccination gives us security and such people should be able to have normal lives and travel," Szijjarto told reporters.
He said Hungary, which has been criticized by the European Union for many of its policies, is a supporter of a strong Europe that respects Christian values and a sense of unity.
Czech Foreign Minister Jakub Kulhanek said they also talked about wider, European Union certificates that would allow travel across the 27-member bloc.
Slovakia's Ivan Korcok stressed the need for wider cooperation that will serve the nations, for example in culture and national heritage.
Rau said the group should continue to support Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova and other EU nations in fighting the pandemic but also in their ambitions to join European and trans-Atlantic security and economy bodies.
He stressed that cooperation with the United States and NATO were the foundations of the region's security. He spoke at a time when neighboring Russia has increased military activity along its Western borders.
Before the meeting, Rau said climate policy and introducing new, environment-friendly technologies was another big theme for the four nations.
In March, the ministers held talks with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Brussels.
The ministers also marked 30 years of the Visegrad Group, a way to increase political and economic cooperation in the region.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.