MFA: Alexander Sako New Consul-General of Slovakia in Istanbul

Bratislava, 8 January (TASR) - Alexander Sako has become Slovakia's new consul-general in Istanbul, Turkey, the Foreign Affairs Ministry's communications department has informed TASR, adding that he's entering the diplomatic service with many years of experience in strategic management, economics and public administration. According to Foreign Affairs Minister Juraj Blanar (Smer-SD), bilateral relations between Slovakia and Turkey are very good and have the potential to develop further. He pointed out that Turkey is among the 17 largest economies in the world and is one of Slovakia's ten most important trading partners among states that don't belong to the European Union or the European Free Trade Association. "Bilateral trade between Slovakia and Turkey has been growing dynamically, increased by one third in 2024 to exceeded €2 billion," he said. The Foreign Affairs Ministry stressed that, in addition to providing consular assistance to Slovak citizens, the consulate-general in Istanbul will focus on supporting Slovak economic interests in Turkey. A new stage of cooperation was confirmed by the conclusion of a strategic partnership during Premier Robert Fico's (Smer-SD) visit to Ankara at the beginning of 2025, said the ministry. Alexander Sako has previously held several senior posts in both the state and private sectors. He worked for the business centre department of the Foreign Affairs Ministry, while at the Transport Ministry he was responsible for coordination and strategic consulting in the field of transport and infrastructure projects. The new consul-general plans to work on deepening trade cooperation further, promoting exports and increasing investment in Slovakia. "We're interested in developing the Slovak-Turkish partnership and contributing to a positive trade balance in favour of Slovakia via economic activities," he said. Under Sako's leadership, the Consulate-General in Istanbul will also focus on presenting Slovakia. "We'll support the deepening of educational and scientific contacts and focus on opportunities for exchanging students, artists, scientists and teachers," added Sako. ko/df