Foreign Minister Blanar Set to Travel to Southeast Asia

Bratislava, 25 April (TASR) - Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar (Smer-SD) will pay a working visit to Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia on 26-29 April, TASR reported on Saturday based on information provided by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs. During his trip, Blanar is due to attend the 25th ministerial meeting of the European Union and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), hold bilateral talks and open a new embassy in Kuala Lumpur with a view to restoring Slovakia's diplomatic presence and supporting business activities in Southeast Asia. In addition to strengthening ties with partners in Southeast Asia and diplomatic relations within ASEAN, Blanar's visit is also aimed at stepping up support for Slovakia's candidacy for non-permanent membership in the UN Security Council, stated the ministry. "The Indo-Pacific is one the most dynamic and strategically significant parts of the world. Slovakia is therefore systematically strengthening its engagement in this region, developing partnerships, and deepening both political and economic cooperation," noted Blanar, adding that the focus on this region constitutes one of the key pillars of Slovakia's foreign policy. At the 25th EU-ASEAN ministerial meeting in Brunei, Blanar will discuss current global and regional challenges, including security, digital transformation, and the climate agenda. The ministry considers the meeting to be of strategic importance for Slovakia which initiated, in December 2025, the formalisation of its partnership with ASEAN by acceding to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC). In Brunei, Blanar is due to attend bilateral talks with partners from the region to foster political dialogue and trade exchange. In Malaysia, he will meet with his counterpart Mohamad Hasan and Speaker of the House of Representatives Johari Abdul to discuss the possibilities of creating a regular consultation framework for the development of mutual dialogue and economic partnership. jrg