Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said today that Malta is seeking EU financial assistance for technical studies which have to be carried out ahead of the laying of a cable to link the island to the European power grid.

The request was discussed this morning when Dr Gonzi had talks in Prague with Czech Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek.

The talks were focussed on the forthcoming Czech presidency of the EU.

“The main item on the table was the Czech agenda for the EU presidency, which is based on the three Es – the Economic situation, Energy and External borders,” Dr Gonzi said.

He stressed the importance of a common approach in the EU to the current economic situation, and added that it was imperative for the Czech presidency to maintain the momentum of the French presidency with regards to the Immigration Pact.

Other areas discussed included Czech plans for euro adoption, with Malta having offered its expertise.

Mr Topolanek described Maltese-Czech relations as being flawless, but said the two countries needed to improve their trade exchanges.

He said the talks with Dr Gonzi had also included Mediterranean affairs and cooperation with the Arab League.

It was also announced that the Czech President Václav Klaus would visit Malta next year.