Estok: Slovakia Reaffirms Support for Ukraine's EU Path

Bratislava, 27 October (TASR) – Foreign and European Affairs Deputy Minister Marek Estok confirmed Slovakia's continued support for Ukraine on its path towards membership of the European Union, including the opening of the first cluster, during a meeting with Ukrainian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Yevhen Perebyinis in Bratislava on Monday, TASR learnt from the ministry's press department on the same day. During the talks, the two officials also evaluated the third joint session of the governments of Slovakia and Ukraine, as well as the current development of the peace process between Ukraine and the Russian Federation under the auspices of the United States. “The Slovak Republic clearly supports Ukraine on its path to the European Union. Ukraine belongs to the European family, and we will therefore continue to provide political, expert, and technical assistance throughout the accession process. We are offering expert-level consultations and the sharing of Slovakia's experience, which the Ukrainian side welcomed and appreciated,” said deputy minister Marek Estok. Estok and Perebyinis also positively assessed the concrete outcomes of the intergovernmental meeting in Kosice, which contributed to firming up practical cooperation in areas such as cross-border infrastructure, energy security, customs and border coordination, and support for the reconstruction of war-affected regions of Ukraine. “Such pragmatic steps prove that our relations are not only about politics but also about tangible assistance to citizens on both sides of our common border,” added Estok. The meeting also addressed the current progress of peace talks between Ukraine and the Russian Federation, mediated by the United States. According to the Slovak deputy minister, Slovakia fully supports the continuation of this diplomatic effort aimed at achieving a just and sustainable peace. “We welcome every effort that leads to ending the war and establishing peace. For Slovakia, it is essential that any solution respects the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders,” Estok concluded. mf