Roman Kowalski, Polandʼs ambassador, said cooperation between the four members (Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia) should be given new impetus since each country can achieve more as a group. Its members were driven by the same objective of Euro-Atlantic integration, he said. Sustaining the V4 into the future is important for reaching new common goals, he added.
Rastislav Kacer, the Slovak ambassador, spoke of the success of Visegrad cooperation, noting regions such as the western Balkans and countries in Asia seeking ties with the grouping. Contrary to what naysayers may think, the group has been effective and has remained a force to be reckoned with, he said.
Tibor Kecskés, the V4 coordinator of the Hungarian foreign ministryʼs central European department, said that the groupʼs “rich history” started 24 years ago when its member states began cooperation unseen before in their history. There is great need for the group, he said, expressing optimism concerning its future.
Juraj Chmiel, the Czech ambassador, noted the Czech Republic will take over the V4 presidency in the summer and focus on strengthening cooperation in defence and energy matters, in neighbourhood policy and advocating the principle of solidarity within the EU.
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