President Stresses Need to Modernise and Strengthen Armed Forces

Brezova pod Bradlom, 28 September (TASR) - Slovakia must be prepared to respond to current security threats by strengthening its defence capabilities and modernising its armed forces, President Peter Pellegrini, who is also Commander-in-Chief of the Slovak Army, said at the celebrations of the Slovak Armed Forces Day in Brezova pod Bradlom (Trencin region) on Sunday. The president in his speech stressed that at present it's once again necessary to protect the values ​​on which not only the Slovak Republic, but the whole democratic community stands. "We live in an uncertain security atmosphere, when threats transcend borders and change form. The sovereignty of states is repeatedly violated, especially on NATO's eastern border, either in the form of incursion into airspace or in other ways, including disinformation campaigns and cyber attacks," stated Pellegrini. According to Pellegrini, it's therefore necessary to build a modern and strong armed forces that will be a combination of well-prepared soldiers, modern equipment, human capital and capable command. "Every investment in education, training, infrastructure, but also in equipment will be reflected in our armed forces' ability to respond quickly and effectively to the challenges of the 21st century," said the president. He also praised high professionalism of members of the Slovak Army. "With their courage and readiness to defend our country, they have been a support for our citizens for 32 years. I would like to especially thank those who serve in peacekeeping missions or operations. We also respectfully commemorate the soldiers who lost their lives while fulfilling their tasks," said the president in his speech. On the occasion of the Slovak Armed Forces Day, Pellegrini presented the President's Medal as sign of his appreciation to the Land Forces and the National Defence Forces. The Slovak Armed Forces Day is held every year on September 22 to mark the anniversary of the victory of Slovak volunteers under the command of Jan Francisci in the battle over the imperial army units in 1848 in Brezova pod Bradlom. ko