NATO20: Blanar: Joining NATO Weighty Step Confirming Its Importance Even Today

Bratislava, March 28 (TASR) - Joining the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) was a significant step, confirming its importance even today, alongside the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, the Middle East and North Africa, Foreign and European Affairs Minister Juraj Blanar (Smer-SD) stated, TASR was told by the ministry's communication department on the occasion of the anniversary of Slovakia's accession to the Alliance on Friday (March 29). "Two decades ago, by joining the Alliance, Slovakia defined its living space and the importance of collective security. It represents a strong security guarantee for our homeland and is a major theme even today, when many don't consider the word peace to be important. However, it should be remembered that NATO is first and foremost a defence and peace organisation," stressed Blanar. The minister pointed out the need for strong partnership and adherence to commitments, especially in the light of the changing global security architecture in the context of ongoing conflicts. am/mcs