Slovak and Ukrainian Governments Sign Several Inter-governmental Agreements (2)

Kosice, 17 October (TASR) - Representatives of the Slovak and Ukrainian governments signed several inter-governmental agreements following the joint session of the two cabinets in Kosice on Friday. Slovak and Ukrainian Premiers, Robert Fico (Smer-SD) and Yulia Svyrydenko, respectively, signed an agreement on cooperation and exchanges of information in the field of labour mobility, as well as a roadmap concerning joint projects. The two cabinets' ministers also signed an inter-governmental agreement on technical and financial cooperation, as well as a protocol on the amendment to the inter-governmental agreement on border crossings at the common state border, and an agreement on the mutual transfer of real estate intended for the purposes of diplomatic missions. Friday’s session between the Slovak and Ukrainian governments was significant, according to Fico, who stressed that the word “peace” must be the cornerstone of Slovak foreign affairs policy. Fico reiterated that Slovakia’s focus on humanitarian and practical assistance, rather than military support in the context of the war in Ukraine, was the correct approach. „Now I speak on behalf of the government of the Slovak Republic, and I must confirm that peace is the key word in our efforts,” he said. He underlined the importance of having a stable neighbour, adding that both Slovakia and Ukraine need partners ready to tackle shared challenges. During talks with Ukrainian Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko, the two leaders discussed sanctions against Russia, Slovakia’s negative stance on Ukraine’s NATO membership, and its support for Ukraine’s accession to the European Union. „I warned the Prime Minister – she may be surprised – that those who speak most positively about Ukraine today may be the ones who most obstruct its EU membership. Slovakia will not be among them. If we say ‘no,’ we say it honestly; if we say ‘yes,’ we say it honestly,” said Fico. The two sides also exchanged views on gas transit and agreed to establish a Ukrainian school in Slovakia. Fico noted Slovakia’s need for 150,000 qualified workers, adding that due to the linguistic proximity between the two nations, a swift agreement on labour issues is possible. Prime Minister Svyrydenko praised the Slovak side for its honesty, constructive approach, and solidarity. She welcomed progress on joint projects, which have resulted in signed agreements. „Our teams achieved significant success in specific infrastructure cooperation projects. Coordinating assistance in energy security will help us overcome this difficult period,” she said. She expressed gratitude for Slovakia’s support for Ukraine’s EU integration and confirmed that preserving national identity was also a topic of discussion. „This is a topic that requires special attention,” Svyrydenko said, also welcoming Slovakia’s openness to establishing a Ukrainian school. She expressed hope that Slovak companies would play an important role in Ukraine’s reconstruction. The Ukrainian Prime Minister also discussed strengthening anti-Russian sanctions with her Slovak counterpart. „I presented data showing that the pressure of sanctions is working and how it is affecting the Russian economy,” she said. Svyrydenko emphasised that Friday’s intergovernmental consultations once again demonstrated their effectiveness and pragmatic nature. „Ukraine and Slovakia are partners prepared to build bilateral relations based on trust, good neighbourliness, security, and a shared European future,” she concluded. Prime Minister Fico accepted an invitation from Svyrydenko for a future meeting in Ukraine. The time and place will be agreed later. NOTE: This story has been extended to include paragraphs 4-17 ko/mf/df