On 4 December 2008 in Helsinki, the 2nd GUAM Council of Ministers for Foreign Affairs – Czech Republic meeting was held within the framework of the 16th OSCE Ministerial Council Meeting.
The sides appreciated the results of the first GUAM – Czech Republic Ministerial meeting in Batumi on 1 July 2008 in the framework of the Third GUAM Summit and reiterated, especially. a role of GUAM in European security and importance of strengthening its relations with Visegrad and other EU countries.
The sides exchanged views on the situation in the region as well as on the joint efforts within the Agenda item 13 of the 63rd Session of the UN General Assembly entitled “Protracted conflicts in the GUAM area and their implications for international peace, security and development”. They expressed their conviction that the international community shall intensify efforts on the settlement of the protracted conflicts in the GUAM area on the basis of sovereignty, territorial integrity and inviolability of internationally recognized borders of the GUAM Member States as well as other basic principles of international law, thus considerably strengthening regional and international peace, security and stability.
The sides confirmed their readiness in developing practical partnership and cooperation in areas of common interest, including transportation, energy security, education and trade.
The Czech side agreed to continue to promote and facilitate GUAM cooperation with the Visegrad Group and the EU member states as well as to share with GUAM the Czech Republic experiences in the EU integration.
The sides decided to agree on the date and venue of the next GUAM – Czech Republic meeting through diplomatic channels.
