Blanar Describes Basic Treaty With Holy See as Symbol of Respect and Trust

Bratislava, 25 November (TASR) - The Basic Treaty between Slovakia and the Vatican provides not only a legal framework for constructive and stable relations between Slovakia and the Catholic Church, but is also a symbol of mutual respect and trust, Foreign Affairs Minister Juraj Blanar (Smer-SD) stated on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the document, which was signed at the Vatican on 24 November 2000. "The Holy See is an important partner for us, both spiritually and internationally. We're connected by strong values of solidarity, peace, mutual dialogue and respect, and, above all, we've been connected by the legacy of faith for generations," said Blanar. Activities in public, cultural and spiritual life continue to be developed under the partnership between Slovakia and the Vatican, which is shaped by the Basic Treaty. According to Blanar, it reflects a shared commitment to dialogue and builds on the thousand-year legacy of Saints Cyril and Methodius. "The Thessalonian brothers codified and promoted Old Church Slavonic, which, alongside Latin, Greek, and Hebrew, was recognised by the Holy See as the fourth official liturgical language and sanctified by Pope Adrian II in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, where a plaque in the Slovak language remains to this day," said Blanar, describing this milestone as an inseparable historical, spiritual, and diplomatic link with the Holy See. The anniversary of the treaty's signing was marked on Monday (24 November) with a solemn mass at the Church of Jesus and Mary in Rome, which was celebrated by Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States of the Holy See. Slovakia was represented by its ambassador to the Vatican, Juraj Priputen. jrg/df