Czech Republic, Prague, May 8 / Trend , M. Hulpachova/ European Union cannot pretend that nothing exists to the east of it, outgoing Czech Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek said at press-conference in Prague on Thursday.
"We cannot pretend that nothing exists to the east of it", - said Topolanek.
Czechia is the initiator of the summit which will be held in Prague on May 8. An invitation was sent to presidents and prime ministers of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Georgia and Turkey. Representatives from Russia, Iraq, Egypt and Uzbekistan were invited as observers.
According to Topolanek EU has an interest in ensuring that its eastern neighbors are stable political subjects, that human rights and democracy is promoted there.
Premier Minister said that the aim of summit is to promote free enterprise and free economy between the EU countries and members of "Eastern Partnership".
Other important points on the agenda are the simplification of visa requirements between the EU and partner states and opening up room for the European National bank to improve investment environment, said Topolanek.
A multilateral intergovernmental agreement on South Corridor and Nabucco projects are expected to be sign in the end of the summit.
The initiative of the new EU Eastern Partnership, which was approved by the European Commission on Dec. 4, belongs to Poland and Sweden, and suggests closer cooperation between the EU and six former Soviet countries - Ukraine, Moldova, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Armenia and Belarus.
Within the framework of the program, negotiations will be hold on cancellation of visa regime, opening of free trade zone and signing of strategic agreements with EU participating countries, as well as projects on exchange of students, protection of environment and energy safety.
Do you have any feedback? Contact our journalist at: [email protected]