President defends Czech participation in Afghan foreign mission

President Miloš Zeman has defended Czech participation in NATO's Resolute Support mission in Afghanistan.

In an address to Czech ambassadors, who are assembled in Prague for their annual consultations, President Zeman said that Czech soldiers in Kabul were fighting for Prague, and their presence there was vital for the country’s national interests.He said Afghanistan was the most important foreign mission in which Czech soldiers were currently taking part.

The words came in reaction to criticism of Czech participation in the Afghan mission from some Czech parties and suggestions that the Czech Republic should withdraw its troops.

President Zeman also addressed the issue of sanctions against Russia arguing that they should not be extended in the European Council without proper debate on the issue.