President of Slovakia Visits Israel / Jerusalem, February 7, 2000 - The President of Slovakia, Dr. Rudolf Schuster, will, on February 7-10, 2000, conduct a state visit to Israel, hosted by Israeli President Ezer Weizman. President Schuster will be accompanied by Foreign Minister Eduard Kukan, additional ministers, and an entourage of Slovakian businessmen and journalists.

During the course of his visit, Dr. Schuster will meet with President Weizman and Knesset Speaker Avraham Burg, will visit the Yad Vashem Holocaust Martyrs' and Heroes' Remembrance Authority and the grave of the late Yitzhak Rabin, and will meet with Israeli businessmen and Israelis of Slovakian extraction.

Since the declaration of the independent state of Slovakia in 1993, and the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two states, the government of Slovakia has demonstrated its good will and friendliness toward the State of Israel, while developing close ties between Bratislava and Jerusalem. A Free Trade Area agreement, and an agreement on Visa Exemption have already been signed between the two countries.

The 15,000-strong community of Israelis of Slovakian extraction, and the Jewish community in Slovakia constitute a bridge between the two states, and contribute to the promotion of relations between them. 
President Schuster's visit in Israel will most certainly contribute to the strengthening and expansion of these ties.

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haGalil onLine 07-02-2000