Mr. President, Cavaco da Silva, Madam Cavaco da Silva, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Allow me to welcome you today to welcome the second time at the Prague Castle and expressed pleasure that I today I am - after six years of my state visit to Portugal, at the same opportunity - to host the President of the Portuguese Republic.
Our country, Mr. President, although divided into relatively large distance, but there are many things that unite us and make us friends and allies. And it's not only a world famous beauty of both our major cities.
Regarding the size and population of the Czech Republic and Portugal, countries of similar size. Both have a rich history and both have for centuries had to deal with the influence of the neighbor or the other superpower. Are countries in which history has brought both great and glorious moments, but also a period of stagnation, decline and lost opportunities. In the last century, our two countries have lived for decades in the lack of freedom and political repression that, although the different causes but similar consequences. Both of us in a short time managed to overcome this unfortunate period, and again to be among the developed European democracies. Today we are allies in NATO and partners in the European Union.
European Union countries, as well as most of the world, are faced with the consequences of the financial crisis and associated recession. This crisis also bared a head, and many problems in today's model of European integration. It appears that the ambition to turn the EU into a centralized superstate face the reality of differing national interests of member countries, the substantial economic differences between them, the lack of a common identity and solidarity and the democratic deficit of European institutions. Problems it is facing a common currency is an expression of issues on which many warned for years, but have been ignored. Before the European Union now faces the task not only to stabilize the crisis affected economies of member countries, but also to redefine the long-term strategy for European integration and give it a realistic direction and content.
I am convinced that a way can be artificial and accelerated development of other small print and bureaucratic anybody irresponsible European structures, and other drafting and other new agreements and initiatives, which often give the coincidence of his name in the name of your beautiful capital city. From history we know that the key to prosperity is primarily a free activity of people, their courage, determination, diligence, entrepreneurship and creativity, not subsidies, regulation and restrictions. Brave Portuguese sailors opened new horizons for mankind in the 15th century; have made your country a superpower. Today's Europe also needs to open up its space free activity of people. That is, in my opinion the only correct and perhaps "Lisbon" strategy.
Mr. President, I am pleased that the bilateral relations of our country smoothly by extending cooperation in the economic sphere and the culture that more and more people come to us from you and vice versa for entertainment and relaxation. I believe that this will continue as the relations between the Czech Republic and Portugal have a good foundation.
Let me raised his glass and toasted to the successful future of our relationship, a happy future for your country and the health of you and your loved ones.
Klaus, the State dinner, Rudolph's Gallery, Prague Castle, 15 dubna 2010 April 2010
Sem comentários:
Enviar um comentário