Blanar Meets Ministers from Thailand, Philippines and Indonesia in Brussels

Brussels, 21 November (TASR) – Foreign and European Affairs Minister Juraj Blanar held talks in Brussels on Friday with his counterparts from Thailand, the Philippines and Indonesia, the ministry's press department reported on Friday. According to the press release, the meetings confirmed Slovakia's interest in systematically strengthening its presence in the Indo-Pacific region and developing partnerships with Southeast Asian countries. Slovakia and Thailand expressed interest in firming up their bilateral relations with an emphasis on boosting economic ties. Blanar and Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow agreed that opportunities lie in the automotive industry, engineering, modern technologies, artificial intelligence (AI) and tourism. Blanar invited his Thai counterpart on an official visit to Slovakia. He expressed support for an early conclusion of negotiations on an EU–Thailand Free Trade Agreement, with the ambition to sign and ratify it in 2026, and he highlighted the need to swiftly finalise a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement, calling it key to deepening economic cooperation. Blanar also thanked Thailand for supporting Slovakia's candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for 2028–2029. Slovakia, in turn, will support Thailand's candidacy to the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea. The Slovak foreign minister discussed strengthening political and economic relations with Philippine Foreign Affairs Minister Theresa Lazaro. Both sides agreed on the need for closer EU–Southeast Asia cooperation. Blanar highlighted the upcoming opening of a Slovak embassy in Manila, which he said will create the right conditions for further bilateral and economic development. "Slovak companies view the Philippines as a dynamic economy with strong potential for further growth in technological and industrial products, electronics, machinery and chemicals," said Blanar, adding that Slovakia intends to accede to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia. "We consider this to be a clear signal of our support for multilateralism and our ambition to deepen relations with partners in this region," he noted. In Brussels, Blanar also held a working meeting with Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono, expressing interest in a bilateral visit to Jakarta in the first half of 2026, accompanied by a Slovak business mission. According to the ministry, the completed bilateral talks reaffirm Slovakia's foreign-policy priorities in the region and its growing engagement in the Indo-Pacific, as outlined in the government's Manifesto statement. The meetings coincided with the fourth EU–Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum taking place in Brussels on Friday, where Slovakia is being represented by Blanar. mf/df