Blanar Seeks Backing in Geneva for UN Security Council Bid

Geneva/Bratislava, 25 February (TASR) - Securing support for Slovakia's candidacy as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for 2028-2029 was the main topic of bilateral meetings held on Tuesday by Foreign and European Affairs Minister Juraj Blanar in Geneva. According to the ministry's press department, Blanar met partners from Africa and Asia with the aim of strengthening political dialogue and promoting Slovakia's bid. "Slovakia is an active and constructive partner in seeking peaceful solutions to conflicts and supporting international law. That is why open dialogue with partners from all regions of the world and the exchange of experience with countries currently serving on the UN Security Council are important to us," Blanar said. In talks with Therese Kayikwamba Wagner, Foreign Minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the two sides exchanged experience regarding the functioning of the United Nations Security Council, confirmed reciprocal support for their candidacies and agreed on closer cooperation on several multilateral issues, primarily related to security. They also expressed interest in developing bilateral relations through bolstered diplomatic representation in the form of honorary consulates. The Democratic Republic of the Congo is currently a non-permanent member of the Security Council, with its mandate running until the end of 2027. Cooperation in tourism was the fulcrum of discussions with Abdulla Khaleel, Foreign Minister of the Maldives. During what was the first-ever bilateral meeting between the two countries' foreign ministers, they also discussed cooperation within the UN and the priorities of Slovakia's candidacy. Blanar also held talks with Prak Sokhonn, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Cambodia. He stressed that strengthening relations with the Indo-Pacific region is one of the priorities of Slovak foreign policy and recalled Slovakia's interest in acceding to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC). In addition to support for Slovakia's Security Council bid, the discussion also covered the development of economic cooperation. According to Blanar, the series of meetings confirmed that Slovakia is perceived as a respected and trustworthy partner in international affairs. mf/mcs