Simkovicova: We Plan to Install Bust of M.R. Stefanik in Rome in February

Bratislava, 3 January (TASR) - The installation of a bust of M.R. Stefanik at the military cemetery in Rome is tentatively scheduled for February 2026, Culture Minister Martina Simkovicova (a Slovak National Party/SNS nominee) has said in an interview with TASR. "We began discussing this initiative with Italian representatives back in the summer of 2024, but the preparation and administrative processes aren't easy," she admitted. "However, I believe that we'll be able to complete it in cooperation with Ambassador Karla Wursterova in Rome," said the minister, who had previously discussed the placement of the bust in Italy with General Diego Paulet, head of the Office for the Protection of Culture and Defence Memory at the Italian Defence Ministry. Simkovicova also believes that opportunities to present Slovak culture abroad will continue next year. "There's great interest in our culture. Foreign ambassadors working in Slovakia are very interested in opportunities to present our culture in their own countries, and they speak with particular appreciation about works for children, for example," she said. The minister believes that the means will be found to continue presenting Slovak culture among Slovak communities abroad. She mentioned plans for performances in America and Australia. "People with Slovak roots living in distant countries are very grateful when they have the opportunity to welcome artistic ensembles from their homeland or the country of their ancestors," she noted, praising cooperation with Foreign and European Affairs Minister Juraj Blanar (Smer-SD) in this regard. am/df/jrg