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