On Friday, November 17, President Andrej Kiska welcomed the official visit to Slovakia of Frank-Walter Steinmeier, the President of the Federal Republic of Germany. This has been his first visit to Slovakia since he became the Federal President of Germany.

The presidents discussed the further deepening of the excellent Slovak-German relations and also the common interest in building a strong and united European Union.

The program included laying wreaths on the Memorial to the Executed and Tortured Political Prisoners of Communism in the Bratislava borough of Vrakuňa. A discussion of the presidents with students and representatives of a civil society concerning the Future of Democracy in Europe was planned in a synagogue in Žilina.

“It is a great honor to welcome the President of Germany today in Slovakia, on the Day of the Fight for Freedom and Democracy.

28 years ago, 17 November led to the end of the totalitarian regime in our country. It was the day we opened our door to freedom and democracy. A wall fell, barbed wire fell. This day is really a very important holiday for us. The holiday of the beginning of our modern history.

I am very glad that, just as I welcomed President Gauck three years ago for the 25th anniversary, I can now welcome President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

Today, after 28 years we are witnessing something that we may not have even missed. Today we deal with the President of Germany as partners, as countries together in the single amazing project of the European Union. As partners in the Schengen zone, where no borders exist. As partners who have the same currency. As partners who share the same values – democracy and freedom.

For us, Germany is not only a partner in a free democratic world. Germany is also an extremely important economic partner for our country. Twenty percent of our business is carried out in Germany. Our joint turnover is more than 26 billion euros. Our country’s export to Germany comprises more than 15 billion euros. 450 investors from Germany have created around 100,000 jobs in Slovakia.

We have discussed with the President and will continue to discuss the future of the European Union. Personally we are connected by the fact that we are both strongly pro-European presidents. Presidents who see both our countries at the center of the European Union. Who see the European Union as one amazing project of peace and prosperity.

We have also touched on the problems affecting our two countries. These are problems of extremism, nationalism, populism as well as modern fascism. We have discussed that our country sees Germany’s attitude toward social networks. It is about creating order to halt the spread of hatred, fascism and extremism on social networks. Our country is paying very close attention to a new law passed in Germany which, unless a social network removes a hateful contribution contrary to law within 24 hours, a fine of 5 million euros is imposed. If this happens systematically, there is the threat of a fine amounting to 50 million euros. If social networks themselves do not realize their responsibility and cannot impose order, then it is our role as politicians to not allow hatred in our countries.

We have also touched on other topics regarding international politics. I have talked with the president about his visit to Russia, touching on the issues of the Western Balkans, the expansion of the European Union.

We will discuss other topics during lunch. I am also looking forward to the discussion with the young people in the Žilina synagogue.”