Blanar: Slovakia Wants to Establish Diplomatic Ties with Kingdom of Tonga

New York, 16 July (TASR-correspondent) - Foreign and European Affairs Minister Juraj Blanar (Smer-SD) held talks in New York on Wednesday (15 July) with the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Tonga, Fatafehi Fakafanua, on establishing diplomatic relations, cooperation within the United Nations (UN) and support for Slovakia's candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2028-2029 term, TASR learnt from its special correspondent on the same day. "We are trying to communicate with all member states within the UN because every country, even the smallest one, has an equal voice. And that's precisely what makes the United Nations unique," said the head of Slovak diplomacy. During the meeting, both sides confirmed their interest in establishing diplomatic relations between Slovakia and the Kingdom of Tonga. Official documents could be signed in September during the 81st session of the UN General Assembly. They also discussed opportunities for practical cooperation in areas where Slovakia has long-term experience, with Tonga expressing particular interest in Slovak expertise in the protection of water resources and early warning systems for natural disasters. According to Blanar, the Tongan prime minister promised his country's support for Slovakia's candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council. The meeting was held in the representative premises of the Permanent Mission of the Slovak Republic to the UN which are named after Slovak diplomat Jan Papanek, one of the 14 co-authors who drafted the UN Charter. Blanar recalled Papanek's significant contribution to the establishment of the post-war multilateral system, highlighting the historical tradition of active participation of Slovak men and women in the UN. Blanar also praised the staff of Slovakia's Permanent Mission to the UN for their professional work in promoting Slovakia's foreign policy interests, organising side events and preparing Slovakia's candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council. During this week's working visit to New York, Blanar promoted Slovakia's candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2028-2029 term, held bilateral talks with partners and UN officials, and presented Slovakia's sustainable development priorities. jrg