Slovak and Ukrainian Foreign Ministers Discuss EU Integration and Diplomacy

Uzhhorod/Bratislava, 5 September (TASR) – Slovak Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Juraj Blanar held talks on Friday in Ukraine with his Ukrainian counterpart Andriy Sybiha, with the meeting taking place alongside discussions between Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy near Uzhhorod, TASR learnt from the ministry's press department on the same day. Blanar confirmed Slovakia’s support for Ukraine on its path to European Union membership. In the bilateral meeting, Blanar emphasised the importance of substantive and constructive dialogue, noting that Prime Minister Fico had previously extended such an offer to President Zelenskyy. „That is why I view today’s talks very positively. Diplomacy is about leading discussions and dialogue even when we do not see eye to eye on every issue," the minister said. According to Blanar, Slovakia is committed to the goal of peace in Ukraine and to having a secure, developing, and prosperous neighbour. He stressed that the Slovak government consistently advocates for a diplomatic resolution to the war in Ukraine at all levels. Reaffirming Slovakia’s support for Ukraine’s EU ambitions, Blanar noted that while the accession process and meeting the requirements of various chapters will not be easy – and may even be painful for Ukraine – Slovakia is ready to share its experience from its own EU integration. He added that Slovakia will not support the so-called decoupling – the separation of Ukraine and Moldova in the EU integration process – unless there are compelling reasons and the issue is formally raised. The ministers also discussed energy security, a key issue on the agenda of the leaders’ meeting, as well as infrastructure projects outlined in the joint Road Map. Consular matters were addressed, too. Blanar welcomed the opening of the Ukrainian Honorary Consulate in Presov and confirmed Slovakia’s support for establishing more consulates to serve Ukrainian citizens in Slovakia. After more than a decade of negotiations, Slovakia and Ukraine have reached an agreement on a new treaty concerning the mutual settlement of diplomatic property in Bratislava and Kiev. The ministers indicated the treaty could be signed during the next joint government meeting, tentatively planned for late October in Sobrance, eastern Slovakia. mf