Blanar: Defence Cooperation One of Pillars of Slovak-American Partnership

Bratislava, 16 October (TASR) - The key pillars of the Slovak-American partnership include defence cooperation linked to joint NATO membership and economic relations with a growing focus on energy, said Foreign Affairs Minister Juraj Blanar (Smer-SD) on Thursday in connection with the appointment of Andrej Droba as Slovakia's new ambassador to the United States. He recalled that the USA is a strategic foreign policy and security ally, as well as an important economic and trade partner for Slovakia. "We'll continue to work towards strengthening our partnership while deepening trade and economic activities through strong support for mutual trade and new investment," stated Blanar. He also highlighted specific projects aimed at strengthening Slovakia's energy security, including a proposal approved by the government in September to conclude an agreement between the US and Slovak governments to facilitate cooperation in the project of the Jaslovske Bohunice nuclear power plant and Slovakia's civil nuclear programme. The new ambassador to the United States also stressed cooperation in the modernisation, education and training of the Slovak armed forces, as well as in economic partnership. "Last year, trade turnover reached almost six billion euros, with a strong share of Slovak exports. Therefore, the United States is Slovakia's ninth-largest export market, with passenger cars dominating our exports," he noted, confirming efforts to continue support for Slovak companies on the American market. Maintaining close cooperation with the large Slovak community in the United States, including the younger generations active in associations such as Slovak PRO, will be an important part of the embassy's activities, stressed Droba. During next year's celebrations of the 250th anniversary of the USA's Declaration of Independence, the Slovak embassy in Washington plans to take this opportunity to showcase the successes of Slovak-American friendship and partnership, including through presentations of prominent Slovak figures who have made their mark on American history. jrg/df