MFA: Slovakia Welcomes Belarus's Decision to Reopen Embassy in Bratislava

Bratislava, 21 November (TASR) - Slovakia welcomes Belarus's decision to resume the activities of its embassy in Bratislava, Foreign Affairs Ministry State Secretary Marek Estok stated on Friday, adding that Slovakia is prepared to consider options for cooperation with Belarus in areas that aren't subject to EU sanctions, TASR has learnt from the ministry's communications department. Belarusian Ambassador to Slovakia Andrej Dapkiunas, who is based in Vienna, informed Estok on Thursday (20 November) about Belarus's decision to resume the activities of its embassy in Bratislava. According to the Foreign Ministry, Slovakia welcomed this step as an important prerequisite for developing practical cooperation. "Slovakia is an advocate of open and constructive dialogue, while fully respecting the common policy of the European Union towards Belarus. We're ready to consider opportunities for cooperation with Belarus in areas that aren't subject to EU sanctions," emphasised Estok, adding that in this context, promising areas include culture, art, sport and education. Slovakia re-established its representation in Belarus at the ambassador level for the first time in five years in June 2025. The ministry expects the Belarusian embassy in Bratislava to be re-established in the second half of 2026, following a break of almost three years. am/df