(Communicated by the Foreign Ministry Spokesman)
Czech Foreign Minister Cyril Svoboda arrived today (Sunday, December 19) for an official visit to Israel, as the guest of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Silvan Shalom, accompanied by a delegation of Czech businesspersons.
During his visit, Svoboda will meet with President Moshe Katsav, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, Vice Prime Minister and Minister for Industry,Trade, Labor and Communications Ehud Olmert, and Foreign Minister Shalom. He will also speak to the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee of the Knesset, together with Shalom.
At the meetings, Svoboda will discuss with his hosts the ongoing contacts between Israel and the EU and the promotion of bilateral relations. He will also be briefed on the latest regional developments. This is the third visit of the Czech foreign minister to Israel.