MFA: Slovakia and Greece Confirm Good Relations and Interest in Developing Them

Bratislava, 6 October (TASR) - The Slovak Republic and Greece are linked by good bilateral relations, similar positions on a number of European and international issues, and a shared interest in further strengthening their cooperation, stated Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar (Smer-SD), who received Greek Ambassador to Slovakia Athanasios Ioannou on the occasion of the conclusion of his diplomatic mission, TASR was told by the ministry's communications department. "Slovakia and Greece are close partners in the European Union and allies in the NATO. We're actively cooperating on shaping the future European multi-annual financial framework, where we wish to maintain strong support for the regions. We also support the European perspective of the Western Balkans as an investment in the stability of the entire continent. We also have strong ties at the bilateral level, and we hold similar views on many issues," he said. Slovakia's chief diplomat explained in this context that coordination within the European Union is an important part of Slovak-Greek relations, with both countries belonging to the Friends of Cohesion group and jointly advocating the preservation of a strong cohesion policy in the EU's next Multi-annual Financial Framework for 2028–2034. Both sides are also coordinating their positions within the Friends of the Western Balkans group, whose next ministerial meeting is due to take place in Greece in November 2026. Blanar and Ioannou concurred that there is scope for further strengthening mutual ties, particularly in the economic and trade areas. Slovak exports to Greece grew last year by 18.6 percent year-on-year to almost €366 million, and imports from Greece to Slovakia went up by 10.6 percent to €299 million. am