Blanar: Unlike Opposition, Government Pursues Sovereign Foreign Policy

Bratislava, 19 January (TASR) - The government is respected and, unlike the opposition, pursues a sovereign foreign policy, Foreign and European Affairs Minister Juraj Blanar (Smer-SD) said in response to the statements by the opposition Progressive Slovakia (PS) party, which accuses the government of inaction in foreign policy. "Progressive Slovakia is frustrated when their desperate propaganda, which they constantly try to spread about us being isolated, is not confirmed, but the opposite is true. So they just criticise and manipulate at all costs," stated Blanar. The foreign minister emphasised that the government consistently promotes diplomatic dialogue, peaceful solutions, and compliance with international law, and communicates this to all partners. According to Blanar, the government continues to pursue a sovereign policy oriented in all four cardinal directions, as defined at the outset in the government manifesto. "This was also the case in the United States, where we went with a clear intention - to sign a cooperation agreement on a civil nuclear programme with the aim of strengthening Slovakia's energy self-sufficiency. At the same time, Premier Robert Fico (Smer-SD) and I had an informal meeting with US President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio," added Blanar. The opposition PS reproached the government for the fact that it fails to act in its foreign policy, criticising Prime Minister Fico that he has also failed so far to present the results of his working visit to the United States. PS also criticised Blanar, saying that he and Fico should already have taken a stance on the latest decisions by the United States. am