Gov't: Slovakia to Reopen Its Embassies in Kuwait and Ethiopia

Bratislava/Puchov, 2 July (TASR) - The Slovak Foreign and European Affairs Ministry will re-establish its embassies in Kuwait and Ethiopia, with the embassies to be based in the capitals, according to a proposal approved by the government on Wednesday. The offices were abolished in these countries in 2022. „The Foreign and European Affairs Ministry reviewed the changes implemented regarding bilateral relations with Kuwait and the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, and based [its assessment] on the general criteria for assessing the justification for maintaining embassies - such as the political and security interests of Slovakia in each of the countries, in terms of bilateral relations, as well as multilateral, economic, and cultural interests, and the provision of consular services,“ the ministry stated. According to the ministry, Kuwait offers business opportunities and potential investment funds for Slovakia, as it owns 6 percent of the world's oil reserves and could be a suitable partner for diversification of energy resources. The ministry added that Slovakia and Kuwait have maintained good bilateral relations along the years. The foreign ministry stated it also decided not to shut down the Slovakia's representative office in Ethiopia, based in Addis Ababa, in light of Slovakia's candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for 2028-2029. „Since so far only 14 member countries of the 55 memebers of the African Union have supported Slovakia's candidacy, it's necessary to ensure more intensive communication with the other member states of the African Union,“ the ministry said in its statement. According to the ministry, Ethiopia has a large potential market and with its dynamic economic growth offers significant potential for cooperation, which Slovak companies are interested in. The foreign ministry claimed that one of the main objectives of the re-establishment of its embassies is to achieve more effective promotion of Slovakia's foreign policy interests. The new embassies will, in addition to their host countries, also represent Slovakia in neighbouring countries. lin/mcs