Foreign Ministry: Slovak Ambassadors Attending Working Meeting

Bratislava, 27 May (TASR) - Sixty-seven Slovak ambassadors representing Slovakia abroad have arrived at the Foreign and European Affairs Ministry for a working meeting that began on Monday (26 May) and will run until Wednesday (28 May), focusing on the promotion of Slovakia's foreign policy priorities, current European and global political issues and practical matters related to the running of Slovak diplomatic missions worldwide, TASR learnt from the ministry's communications department on Tuesday. "You know the situation in the individual countries and international organisations where you serve as an extended arm of Slovakia. Your insights and the voice of Slovakia are key in a world that is changing rapidly and demands difficult decisions," said Foreign Affairs Minister Juraj Blanar (Smer-SD). In his speech, he outlined the priorities of Slovak foreign policy and the positions of the Slovak government based on the current government manifesto. According to Blanar, in developing bilateral relations within the European Union, the North Atlantic Alliance, the United Nations and other international forums of which Slovakia is a member, it's important to communicate as a reliable and predictable partner with a sovereign viewpoint. "If we disagree with something and hold a different opinion, it doesn't automatically mean that we're an unreliable partner. On the contrary, we see it as proof of our consistency and openness when we communicate our position clearly and openly with the aim of seeking consensus," said Blanar. He added that the main task of Slovak diplomacy is to defend the national interests of Slovakia and its people. The meeting also includes sessions with Slovakia's three highest-ranking officials. President Peter Pellegrini will receive the ambassadors at the Presidential Palace. At the Foreign and European Affairs Ministry they will be welcomed by House Chair Richard Rasi (Voice-SD), Prime Minister Robert Fico and Defence Minister Robert Kalinak (both Smer-SD). They will also engage in discussions with Foreign Affairs Ministry State Secretaries Marek Estok and Rastislav Chovanec, as well as general secretary of the ministry's service office Miroslava Vozaryova. lin/df