As of July 1, Slovakia will for the fourth time take over the year-long presidency of the Visegrad Four (V4) grouping, Slovak Foreign and European Affairs Minister Miroslav Lajcak stated on Monday.

"The agenda of the Slovak presidency is aimed at consolidating public finances, stimulating economic growth, and reducing tax evasion and tax fraud within the V4 countries," specified Lajcak.

The minister added that during its presidency Slovakia also wants to direct its attention at boosting the co-ordinatory mechanisms of the V4 grouping within the European Union.

"After the European Parliament election and in line with the subsequent changes in posts in the European Commission, it will be our task to set up the communication channels of the V4 grouping with the new EU bodies," said Lajcak.

According to Lajcak, the V4 Group is enjoying one of the most productive and dynamic periods in its history, and more than 20 years since it was set up it's viewed as a respectable partner.

"Slovakia wants to continue to use the V4 Group as a preferred format for regional co-operation in the Central Europe. We're delighted that this co-operation is being directed ever more at practical issues and at projects that are beneficial for our countries and all the people in the V4 region," added the minister.

The V4 presidency is a rotating one, with the chairmanship handed over to another member country on an annual basis. Slovakia will take over the presidency from Hungary. Endi

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