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Radicova Tells Clinton of "New, Better and Transparent Slovakia"
Thursday 11 November 2010 Zoom in | Print page
Washington/Bratislava, November 10 (TASR) - Slovak Prime Minister Iveta Radicova held talks with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in Washington on Wednesday in what was the first meeting between a Slovak premier and a top representative of the U.S. administration in Washington in four years, the press department of the Government's Office told TASR late on Wednesday.
Radicova thanked Clinton for the U.S.A.'s long-term endeavours and its assistance to Slovakia in the spheres of security, democratisation and economic development.
"I didn't need to present Slovakia as a country. The United States has been our partner and friend for years, both in good and bad times. But I did come to present a new Slovakia led by a responsible government that aims to improve the conditions for business, boost law-enforceability and bolster job creation," said Radicova.
According to the Slovak premier, the talks also focused on how the countries should co-operate with a view to creating jobs, which are short in both countries following the crisis. Radicova gave assurances to Clinton that Slovakia is open to investments that would benefit both countries.
Meanwhile, Clinton pledged backing for Slovakia's efforts to reform its judiciary and improve law-enforceability. In addition, she praised Slovakia's aspirations to diversify its energy sources, noting that such moves could also increase competition in the EU's energy sector.
"My meeting with the U.S. secretary of state was of importance partly in order to make sure that the U.S. won't view Slovakia as a country in which the EU-funds tunnel ends due to irresponsible politicians," said Radicova, in reference to an article on state corruption in Slovakia vis-a-vis EU funds that appeared in the New York Times recently.
"The current Government has presented in Washington a new, better and transparent Slovakia that has declared an uncompromising fight against corruption and poor law-enforceability," added Radicova.
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