Fico Asks Czech Premier to Respect Slovakia's Interests on Gas Guarantees

Bratislava, 14 July (TASR) - Efforts to obtain guarantees of sufficient gas supplies at reasonable prices even after 2028 are in Slovakia's national state interests, and Czech Premier Petr Fiala should respect that, wrote Slovak Premier Robert Fico (Smer-SD) in a letter that he sent to the Czech premier in reaction to the latter's call at the weekend regarding the EU's 18th sanctions package against Russia. At the same time, Fico suggested that the Slovak and Czech governments should hold a joint session as soon as possible. According to Fico, the Czech premier is demanding that the Slovak government should agree to the 18th package of anti-Russian sanctions unconditionally. He reminded Fiala of the fact that the Slovak Republic is a democratic and sovereign country. "We have combined the draft 18th sanctions package with the European Commission's proposal to halt any supplies of Russian gas as of 1 January 2028, and we ask the relevant players to provide Slovakia with the necessary guarantees that the Slovak Republic will have enough gas at reasonable prices even after 1 January 2028. This is in Slovakia's national state interests. I ask you to respect that," Fico wrote to the Czech premier. Fico also pointed out that he shares Fiala's opinion on the close relationship between the Slovak and Czech Republics. "The best answer to pointless nervousness in the international arena would be a joint session of the Slovak and Czech governments, for which I invite you to the territory of Slovakia as soon as possible," added Fico. Fiala on Saturday (12 July) called on Fico not to block the EU's 18th package of sanctions against Russia. "Given the exceptionally close ties between our countries, I'm asking Slovakia to reconsider its stance on the 18th sanctions package and to help to preserve the unity and determination with which the democratic world is confronting Russian aggression," wrote Fiala. ko/df