Rasi Discusses in London Strengthening UK-Slovakia Parliamentary Diplomacy

London, 19 November (TASR) - Parliamentary Chair Richard Rasi (Voice-SD) paid a working visit to the United Kingdom on Wednesday to meet with Speaker of the House of Commons Lindsay Hoyle to discuss the renewal and fostering of interparliamentary dialogue, TASR was told by the Slovak Parliament's media and public relations department. The Slovak House chair also met in London with the Speaker of the House of Lords, John McFall. This was the first official visit by the Slovak parliamentary chair to the United Kingdom in over 20 years. The main focus of the talks between Rasi and Hoyle was the renewal and strengthening of interparliamentary dialogue. The Slovak House chair emphasised the importance of re-establishing platforms that would enable regular meetings and exchanges of experience between Slovak and British MPs. "I see great potential for deepening our bilateral relations in parliamentary diplomacy, particularly through the re-establishment of friendship groups in both parliaments," he said. The renewal of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Slovakia (APPG for Slovakia) is a priority, said the Slovak House chair. "I'll also strive to re-establish the Slovakia-United Kingdom Friendship Group in our parliament," he promised. Another topic of discussion was engaging the younger generation and boosting cooperation in the field of education. The meeting between Rasi and McFall focused on strengthening relations, particularly in the context of the post-Brexit era. "The visit by the representative of the Slovak Republic is very welcome, especially after Brexit, to strengthen dialogue with the European Union," said Lord McFall. The visit of the Slovak parliamentary chair to London confirmed the strategic importance of the United Kingdom as a partner for Slovakia in the economic area. Rasi emphasised the strength of the strategic partnership, which was confirmed in 2023 by a joint declaration. "Our relations are not just about economics and security. We are united by a common struggle for freedom, as evidenced by the heroism of Czechoslovak pilots and soldiers during World War II. These enduring bonds of freedom, duty, and courage continue to unite our nations and form a solid foundation for our strategic partnership today," he stated during a commemoration honouring Czechoslovak pilots and soldiers at the Czechoslovak Military Memorial in Westminster Abbey. am