AMBASSADOR DISCUSSES BILATERAL RELATIONS WITH

C O N F I D E N T I A L BRATISLAVA 000661 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/12/2017 TAGS: PREL PGOV LO SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR DISCUSSES BILATERAL RELATIONS WITH PRESIDENT AT CREDENTIALS CEREMONY Classified By: Ambassador Vincent Obsitnik for Reasons 1.4 b and d ¶1. (SBU) Ambassador Obsitnik presented his credentials to President Ivan Gasparovic on December 12. The follow-on meeting was warm and friendly with the President stressing the strong ties between the two countries and expressing his appreciation that President Bush had sent an Ambassador with familial ties and a solid understanding of the country. ¶2. (SBU) After a short welcome by the President, the Ambassador outlined his priorities during his tenure, which include close cooperation on foreign policy objectives, particularly those involving NATO and the EU, making tangible progress towards visa waiver status for Slovakia, and encouraging greater economic and education ties. Gasparovic immediately focused on the visa waiver issue, stressing that Slovaks "deserve" visa-free travel to the U.S. and that this remains the top bilateral issue. He said that he understands the process and the security considerations that underpin the debate, and noted that the Slovak government is working hard to fulfill all of the necessary requirements. ¶3. (C) Gasparovic emphasized his strong commitment to NATO and the importance of these ties to our relationship. When the Ambassador noted the re-start of Israeli-Palestinian negotiations through the Annapolis conference, President Gasparovic specifically expressed his support for the U.S. "roadmap." As outlined Septel, Ambassador encouraged the President to take advantage of his December 18 meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to encourage a constructive approach to the peace process. ¶4. (SBU) On the economic front Gasparovic commented on the important role of the automotive sector in the country's recent strong GDP growth. Noting his own background in the technology sector, the Ambassador asked about the steps that the government is taking to ensure future growth in higher value-added industries like high-tech. The President suggested there are great investment opportunities in the tourist sector, especially with spas and other luxury facilities. The President also stated that there is no reason why Slovakia and the U.S. cannot have greater bilateral trade. Both the President and the Ambassador agreed on the need to complete the east-west highway connection, which PM Fico has recently promised to do by 2010. ¶5. (SBU) The President said he was proud that he has met four times with President Bush, most recently at the September UNGA in New York. He requested an opportunity to meet next year with President Bush in the White House, but did not mention a particular timeframe for such a proposed visit. OBSITNIK