President Zeman meets diplomats in first day in office at Prague Castle

The new Czech president, Miloš Zeman, took up office at Prague Castle on Monday, three days after being sworn in. The head of state’s first tasks included a meeting with Czech diplomats, whom he told he support international trade and would bring delegations of Czech businessmen with him on foreign trips. Mr. Zeman also told members of the diplomatic corps that combating terrorism was the common task of the international community.

On Wednesday, Mr. Zeman will meet the governors of the Czech Republic’s 13 regions. However, he has turned down an invitation from Prime Minister Petr Nečas to attend a government session on Wednesday, the first since he assumed office.