Macron: Čaputová is the symbol of united Europe

There is still room to improve trust between east and west, Slovak president said in France.

President Zuzana Caputova met French President Emmanuel Macron during her official visit to France on July 24. (Source: TASR)

While differences within the EU have been levelled to some extent, the division between east and west is still there.

"I feel that there is room to move even further forward in mutual trust," President Zuzana Čaputová said after her meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, as quoted by the TASR newswire.

Čaputová met Macron during her first official trip to France on July 24. Following the meeting of the two heads of states, Čaputová said that France is a close ally in the EU and NATO and that the countries share common values.

Macron said Slovakia is already part of the EU core, which it has proven by electing Čaputová its president. He said they have a full agreement regarding EU integration.

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"We are making joint efforts for Europe to take its fate into its own hands," Macron said as quoted by the TASR newswire. He labelled Čaputová the symbol of a united Europe.

Čaputová said in France that Slovakia is the most integrated country in the V4 region, and there is interest in deepening integration and fostering respect for values like freedom, democracy, and rule of law.

Slovakia now needs to strengthen its position in the eyes of its EU partners by promoting rule of law, democracy, and civil liberties. In turn, EU should become a symbol of economic and social security for Slovak citizens.

Čaputová and Macron also mentioned the environment. Čaputová reiterated Slovakia's commitment to carbon neutrality by 2050. At the same time, she informed Macron that Slovakia plans to transform its biggest coal region, and the EU should take notice in some future budget.

24. Jul 2019 at 21:26 | Compiled by Spectator staff