Dean of Comenius University School of Medicine

Dear Colleagues,

On behalf of the Slovak Society for Study and Treatment of Pain (SSSTP), I am very pleased to invite you for the 3^rd Czecho- Slovak Dialogues on Pain, which are going to be held 13^rd -15^th September 2001 in the ancient royal town of Bratislava.

The 3^rd Czecho-Slovak Dialogues on Pain, which are at the same time the 9th Annual Congress of SSSTP are not only a symbol of our common tradition, but at the same time provide an important opportunity to gain new knowledges and exchange experiences in the area of algesiology.

During the Congress , meeting of the EFIC Executive Board will also take place and President of EFIC - professor David Niv from Israel, as well as other honourable representatives of EFIC, will actively participate at our Congress.

Together with the Organising Committee I believe that an interesting scientific programme, participation of top european experts as well as the accompanying social programme with the background of the old city guarantee that you will spend three interesting and pleasant days in Bratislava.

I would be glad if our present Congress initiates Central European pain management dialogues in the future.

Dear colleagues and dear guests !

Let me invite you to the 3^rd Czecho - Slovac Dialogues on Pain, which are this time taking place in Bratislava . It is a real honour for us that our capital city has got the chance to be a host of this inportant event.

Bratislava (formaly also Pressburg in German and Poszony in Hungarian) has always been one of the cultural centers of Central Europe. It has always had an international character and offered the home for people of varios nationality and religion. Untill our days, it is still possible to hear the mixture of slovak ,german and hungarian languages in our streets.

The year 1291 saw the town being granted extensive privileges by king Andras III, leading to a rise in the town population and wealth. In 1465, during the reign of king Mathiass Corvinus the first hungarian university -Universitas Istropolitana was founded here. In 1536, after the Mohacs Battle, the town was declared the capital of Hungarian Kingdom and St. Martin`s Cathedral served for almost 300 years for royal coronations.

But let`s go to our days. Opera performances, concerts, museums and galleries -they all are part of an enriching experiences in this city.Go and discover the charming Old Town with its traditional caffees , cosy courtyards and old wine cellars and feell wellcome in our city .

Eva Salamonová , organising commettee 

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