The Czech Republic recently elected Petr Pavel as its new President. The former NATO general won a comfortable victory (58.3% of the votes) against the businessman and former PM, Andrej Babiš. 

https://twitter.com/TVPWorld_com/status/1620902467897630741

In his first post-election interview for the Polish Press Agency (PAP) and Polskie Radio, Pavel praised Poland and his own country for having been at the forefront of military and humanitarian support to Ukraine „since the beginning” and “within their capacities”.

He also announced that if an agreement is reached with potential suppliers, including Germany and Poland, additional military equipment could soon be delivered to Ukraine.

At the same time, the President-elect drew attention to possible risks associated with new weapon deliveries, explaining that „further deliveries from our stockpiles would threaten the defence capabilities of NATO member states.„

Pavel further referred to his plan to visit Warsaw soon. „I spoke with President Andrzej Duda. He expressed his interest in having an informal meeting as soon as possible […] My intentions regarding the second official foreign trip, whose destination would be Poland, are up-to-date,” – he assured. 

The new Czech President also referred to the importance of cooperation in the framework of the Visegrad Group, in which he wished to enhance a “common position, as far as possible” regarding the current war in Ukraine. 

In accordance with the Czech tradition in the last three decades, Prague’s new head of state will have his first international visit to the Slovakian capital, Bratislava. His second international destination will be Warsaw. 

Petr Pavel’s term in office will formally start on 9 March, replacing Miloš Zeman. 

Image: Twitter @general_pavel

Author: Sébastien Meuwissen