The economic situation in Europe, particularly in the eurozone, was the main topic of discussion between President George Abela and his Slovak counterpart Ivan Gašparovič during the second day of a three-day state visit.
This is the first state visit to Malta by a Slovak head of state, even though relations between the two countries go back to the time when the central European state was part of Czechoslovakia.
Dr Abela said the visit would consolidate the good relations that existed between the two countries at a very important time for the European region.
During the talks, the two discussed the economic situation in Europe, particularly in the eurozone, and agreed on the need for a “common budgetary and fiscal policy” in the EU, stressing that there was also a political dimension to the financial problems in the European region. Slovakia, which joined the eurozone a year after Malta, has a burgeoning economy and a thriving automotive industry.
Dr Abela thanked Slovakia for taking in some migrants who had fled to Malta in an irregular manner. Mr Gašparovič thanked Dr Abela for the “heartfelt welcome” and Malta for receiving Slovakian nationals fleeing from Libya.
Prior to the talks, Mr Gašparovič was introduced to members of the Cabinet, the judiciary and the diplomatic corps.
He was then conferred with honorary membership of the National Order of Merit in the grade of Companion of Honour with Collar while Dr Abela was awarded the Order of the White Double Cross of the First Class of the Slovak Republic.
Later, Mr Gašparovič laid a wreath at the foot of the War Memorial in Floriana
The Slovak President was then taken to San Anton Palace, in Balzan where he planted a tree in commemoration of his visit.
He was paid a courtesy call by Opposition Leader Joseph Muscat and later by Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi at San Anton. He was later taken round Mdina.
Today, Mr Gašparovič, who is accompanied by Mrs Gašparovičova, is expected to visit the Basilica of the Nativity of Our Lady in Senglea, St John’s Co-Cathedral and the Upper Barrakka Gardens.
He will also be paying a visit to the Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry, followed by a luncheon at the Office of the Prime Minister.