Odor Meets EC Head Ursula von der Leyen

Bratislava, May 31 (TASR) - Caretaker Prime Minister Ludovit Odor met European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday, discussing Slovakia's pro-European orientation, common values, freedom, the rule of law and matters concerning Ukraine, TASR has learnt from the Government Office. "The recovery plan has been a catalyst for systematic changes in the country and has had some unquestionable successes. What is important now is not to let up but to maintain a rapid tempo. A long-planned update of the recovery plan is currently underway, and we have several unresolved issues to negotiate with the European Commission, in particular concerning the new green REPowerEU chapter," said Odor. Along with Deputy Prime Minister Livia Vasakova, he informed von der Leyen that it is crucial for Slovakia to apply for a third recovery-plan payment this year. Regarding the import of certain agricultural products from Ukraine, the prime minister confirmed the need to seek a joint and best solution with European partners. He also said that he considers it necessary for the European Commission to reflect Slovakia's reservations regarding this matter. "Our main objective is the export of Ukrainian products to third countries, and we expect the Commission to present a further joint approach," he noted. At the same time, he declared that Slovakia continues to support so-called solidarity corridors, which help Ukraine to export its agricultural production and prevent food crises in third world countries. In addition, Odor reiterated that Slovakia is a supporter of Ukraine's integration into the EU. "A stable and developed Ukraine means a stable and developed Slovakia," he stressed, adding that Slovakia has experience with reforms and the integration process and wants to assist its eastern neighbour in this respect. zel/df