Kalinak: Slovakia and Ukraine Have Intense Relations

Kosice, 17 October (TASR) - Slovakia and Ukraine have intense relations, said Vice-premier and Defence Minister Robert Kalinak (Smer-SD) before the Slovak-Ukrainian joint government session on Friday, adding that the Slovak government is preparing further humanitarian aid for Ukraine. At the session they will discuss, for example, how Slovakia will proceed with mine-sweeping on Ukrainian territory, as well as other issues concerning the provision of humanitarian aid. They'll also deal with anti-drone protection and strengthening Slovakia's defence, said Kalinak. Investments, Regional Development and Informatisation Ministry State Secretary Radomir Salitros hopes that the joint session will bring the prospect of better cooperation between the two countries. According to him, Slovakia wants to present several projects to the Ukrainian side from which Ukraine could benefit. "On our ministry's part, we want to announce to the Ukrainians that we've managed to establish cooperation with the UN Human Settlements Programme UN-Habitat, which will help to resettle devastated settlements in Ukraine," said Salitros, adding that UN-Habitat will be part of the ministry's regional centre in Kosice. A number of bilateral consultations are scheduled in Kosice, including a meeting between the foreign ministers, a ministerial meeting on cross-border cooperation and transport links, and cooperation in the field of energy. The two sides are also set to focus on the defence industry, Ukraine's reconstruction, EU integration and the agricultural and education sectors. A bilateral meeting between Slovak Premier Robert Fico and Ukrainian Premier Yulia Svyrydenko is due to be held as well. ko/df