Blanar Holds Talks in Ukraine with Country's Foreign Minister Sybiha

Vinnytsia, 5 June (TASR) - Humanitarian aid, Ukraine's reconstruction, European integration, and prospects for a peaceful resolution to the war were high on the agenda of discussion between Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar (Smer-SD) and his Ukrainian counterpart Andrii Sybiha during a working visit to the Ukrainian city of Vinnytsia, TASR was told by the Slovak Foreign Affairs Ministry's communications department on Friday. "The Slovak Republic is helping Ukraine as much as it can, particularly in the humanitarian area. We don't go to Ukraine for empty gestures like many political leaders. Today I came with specific aid that has a real impact on people's lives, alleviates the suffering caused by the war, and helps where it is most needed," stated Blanar. During the meeting, he emphasised above all Slovakia's interest in having a neighbour in Ukraine that is peaceful, stable, and prosperous. The Slovak government therefore supports all peace initiatives leading to an end to the war in accordance with international law, the ministry stated in a press release. "We've maintained since the beginning that there's no military solution to this conflict. We support diplomatic negotiations and all initiatives aimed at achieving a just and lasting peace, which must be based on respect for international law and the territorial integrity of Ukraine's internationally recognised borders. However, the European Union must be active and directly involved in mediating this peace process, a fact that, alongside Slovakia, is finally being recognised by other EU leaders as well as Ukraine itself, which is calling for it," stated Slovakia's chief diplomat. According to him, the current Slovak government is likely the only partner conducting comprehensive negotiations with Ukraine at the full-government level. A key topic was therefore the preparation of the next joint meeting of the Slovak and Ukrainian governments. "We pursue foreign affairs policy oriented in all four cardinal directions, where it is absolutely essential for us to defend Slovakia's interests and act in the best interests of our citizens; that's why we engage in dialogue with all those who are interested in doing so," emphasised Blanar. The ministers also discussed the continuation of projects included in the so-called roadmaps, such as the modernisation of border infrastructure, the expansion of the Vysne Nemecke border crossing, and the construction of a new energy interconnection between the two countries. "Slovakia and Ukraine are linked by a number of specific projects that are important to the citizens of both countries. We want to be prepared for the post-war reconstruction of our eastern neighbour and create conditions for the development of economic cooperation, investment, and cross-border connections," said Blanar. According to the Slovak Foreign Ministry, the issue of Ukraine's European integration is also a key topic for Slovakia. Blanar said that Slovakia supports Ukraine's accession to the European Union provided that all established conditions are met. am