MFA: Slovakia Preparing Meeting of Intergovernmental Commission with Russia

Bratislava, 20 October (TASR) - Preparations for the 22nd meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission for Economic and Scientific-Technical Co-operation between Slovakia and Russia were high on the agenda of discussion between Foreign Ministry State Secretary Marek Estok and Russian Ambassador to Slovakia Sergey Andreev, TASR was told by the ministry's communications department on Tuesday. The resumption of the commission's activities is intended to create a forum for expert discussion on opportunities for cooperation in areas of mutual interest. "The Slovak government is keen to maintain constructive and pragmatic relations with the Russian Federation. At the same time, we wish to develop cooperation in the interests of the Slovak Republic in areas not covered by sanctions arrangements and which are in line with our commitments to the European Union," said Estok. The meeting is scheduled to take place on 26 October in Moscow at expert level. Slovakia's delegation will be headed by Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar (Smer-SD). By mutual agreement between both parties, the working group discussions are to focus on the areas of energy, including nuclear energy, agriculture, the environment, tourism, sport and culture. am