Blanar Holds Talks with His Counterparts from Egypt and North Macedonia

Bratislava/Bled, 3 September (TASR) - Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar (Smer-SD) held talks with his counterparts from Egypt and North Macedonia on Tuesday (2 September) at the Bled Strategic Forum in Slovenia to discuss the situation in the Gaza Strip, as well as trade exchange between the countries, TASR was informed by the Foreign Affairs Ministry's communications department on Wednesday. "The current state of affairs in Gaza is critical, the humanitarian situation is catastrophic and unsustainable, as also confirmed by humanitarian organisations and the United Nations," said Blanar. "The Slovak Republic sent another package of humanitarian aid last week, and we and our partners are still actively seeking the earliest possible date for its delivery directly to the Gaza Strip territory," Blanar commented on his discussion with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty. According to the ministry, the dialogue between the countries is progressing towards a new phase, with the foreign ministers also planning to organise mutual official visits. "We agreed on the need to support entrepreneurs and investments, while at the same time intensifying tourism on both sides," Blanar added. His meeting with North Macedonia's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Timcho Mucunski also revolved around economic activities, as this country offers new opportunities for Slovak exporters. "Our discussion therefore covered organising a business forum and other activities to boost support for companies from both countries," the minister said. jrg/mcs