Blanar: Slovakia Extends Strategic Crisis Cooperation with Cyprus

Bratislava, 4 July (TASR) – Slovakia continues to firm up its strategic partnership and high-level cooperation with Cyprus in the area of consular crisis management and citizen evacuation, and a Cypriot delegation visited Slovakia to deepen bilateral cooperation and improve joint preparedness for crises, the Foreign and European Affairs Ministry's press department announced on Friday. „Through expert consultations, we are enhancing Slovak-Cypriot relations and our unique cooperation in consular crisis management. This partnership is continuously evolving and delivering tangible results for the security of EU citizens, including Slovaks,” said Alexandra Janeckova, head of the ministry’s crisis management department. On Thursday (3 July), discussions at the ministry focused on reviewing recent joint operations - especially the coordinated evacuation of citizens from the Middle East amid a deteriorating security situation. Over the course of 11 days, Slovakia conducted ten evacuation flights, safely transporting 266 people, including Slovak nationals and citizens of 27 other countries. Cyprus commended Slovakia’s professional handling of the operation and its assistance in evacuating Cypriot nationals. „It is a great recognition for our diplomats and staff when their professionalism in crisis situations is acknowledged by international partners — as it was by Cyprus in this case. On behalf of Slovakia, I sincerely thank our Cypriot colleagues for their logistical support during our evacuation flights and for the assistance provided to Slovak citizens during their temporary stay in Cyprus,” said Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar (Smer-SD). According to Blanar, building strong partnerships based on shared experience and joint crisis response capabilities enhances Slovakia’s and the EU’s ability to face increasingly complex challenges and better protect the lives and safety of citizens. mf