The president of the Czech Republic Vaclav Klaus started a two-day visit in Romania, honouring his Romanian counterpart’s invitation. The talks between the two heads of state focused on the relations of the two countries, regional politics, and Romania’s accession to the EU. The Czech Republic was among the first states to ratify Romania’s EU accession treaty.

The Czech president assured his Romanian counterpart Traian Basescu that Romania will become an EU member in January 1, 2007, and that this move will not prompt any earthquakes as the problems that Romania faces are more technical and administrative, and not of substance.

President Basescu brought the West Balkans situation to the table and emphasized the need to find a solution for Moldova so that it enters the EU as part of the West Balkans block.

The two politicians both agreed that the USA visa lifting does not condition the troops’ presence in Iraq. The Romanian president said the visa lifting would be desirable but also fair to Romania as the US citizens do not require a visa to come to our country.