Foreign Minister Blanar Speaks at Bled Strategic Forum in Slovenia

Bled/Bratislava, 2 September (TASR) - Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar (Smer-SD) spoke at the international panel on revitalising leadership and multilateralism as part of the Bled Strategic Forum held in Slovenia with a focus on the most pressing global challenges and strategic dialogue, the Foreign Affairs Ministry's communications department informed TASR on Tuesday, adding that the panel was also attended by representatives of Slovenia, Egypt, Jordan, and the Holy See. "Adherence to international law is the strongest weapon we have as an international community. Yet we are currently witnessing the application of double standards when it comes to its violations," Blanar stated during the panel discussion with Slovenian Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, and the Holy See’s Secretary for Relations with States Paul Gallagher. At the conference, Blanar highlighted the importance of multilateralism in times of serious ongoing conflicts. He also underlined the need for reforms, including within the United Nations, so that international institutions better reflect the current geopolitical and economic reality. The participants to the panel agreed that the global community must be urged to act without delay, to adhere to international law, and to show mutual respect. They said that inaction comes at a cost and that responsibility does not lie with one leader but with every country. In this regard, Blanar confirmed Slovakia's consistent approach and firm commitment to these values. "Slovakia is one of five EU countries that have not recognised Kosovo, because we consider it a violation of international law and of the territorial integrity of a sovereign state. Our stance is open and principled," Blanar added, also noting that Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) is currently on a working visit to China. jrg