ByREUTERS, JERUSALEM POST STAFF
Updated:

Czechia is in talks with Israeli firms to buy a number of air-defense systems, Czech Foreign Minister Petr Macinka said on Tuesday.

During a press conference with Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, Macinka said the Czechs were looking at the Spyder, Arrow, and other defense systems.

“Regarding the Spyder, yes, we are discussing. We’re discussing air-defense systems with Israel because these systems are technologically on top,” Macinka said when asked about buying Israeli defense systems.

He said he wants to make his country’s stance on Israel clear, vowing that Prague would continue strengthening political and economic cooperation between the two nations.

During the conference, Sa’ar expressed his gratitude for Czechia’s friendship and allyship, thanking them for “not allowing the European Union to be turned into a tool for promoting anti-Israeli policies.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic Petr Macinka and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar signed a declaration for a permanent annual business forum to increase cooperation between the two countries.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic Petr Macinka and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar signed a declaration for a permanent annual business forum to increase cooperation between the two countries. (credit: SHLOMI AMSALEM/GPO)

Sa'ar thanks Czech Republic for friendship, allyship

He emphasized Israel’s importance as an ally for Europe, highlighting Israeli innovation in the fields of defense and security in the face of growing anti-Israel sentiment.

“Israel is becoming an increasingly significant country in the defense of Europe itself, and Europe benefits from its activities in the field of security,” Sa’ar said.