Ballistic Missile Defense Industry, Research and Business Seminar January 16-17

Minister of Foreign Affairs Karel SchwarzenbergDeputy MFA Jan Kohout, MDA Director Lt Gen Henry Obering, Deputy Minister of Industry andTrade Milan Hovorka and U.S. Ambassador Richard Graber (left to right)

The seminar attracted over 50 Czech and American businesses

January 16, 2008

Opening a two-day seminar to introduce Czech businesses and educational institutions to potential U.S. partners in the technologies and industry that support missile defense, Czech Foreign Minister stressed the Czech government’s support for active engagement in European MD cooperation and the future integration of the U.S. system into NATO’s missile defense architecture. 

"The Czech Republic does not perceive herself as a mere consumer of security guarantees provided to us by our allies.  We are aware of our share of responsibility for ensuring our common security," he said on January 16. 

The seminar, organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in cooperation with the U.S. Missile Defense Agency, attracted over 50 Czech and American businesses. Director of the Agency Lt. General Obering opened with a 20-minute comprehensive overview the missile defense program, highlighting the capability and reliability of the systems as seen in successful testing over the past two years.  General Obering will also meet with Prime Minister Topolanek, Czech lawmakers and other political leaders during his visit in Prague January 15-17.

More on missile defense: Brochure on MD for Europe (PDF)