PM Fico: Talks with Ukrainians to Result in Tasks for Ministries (2)

Lviv/Bratislava, 5 November (TASR) - Thursday's joint session of the Slovak and Ukrainian governments will result in a special resolution setting out specific tasks and deadlines for individual cabinet members, Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) told a press conference after the two governments held their fourth joint session. Fico confirmed measures and humanitarian activities to help the people of Ukraine to cope with a harsh winter amid the ongoing conflict, such as financial assistance for purchasing generators. "I'm pleased with the decisions aimed at making these difficult times easier for the people of Ukraine, perhaps also with this small assistance that we're now providing," said Fico. The prime minister also announced that, as part of humanitarian assistance, Slovakia should deliver demining equipment and other machinery to Ukraine in January or during the first quarter of next year. He expressed hope that good neighbourly relations will develop in the foreseeable future free from the shadow of the war that Ukraine is currently enduring. "We all wish you a just and sustainable peace from the bottom of our hearts, and I'm convinced that at some point everyone in the world will manage to achieve this just and sustainable peace," stated Fico. According to him, there will be enormous opportunities for joint Slovak-Ukrainian initiatives and cooperation in the post-war period, while the first steps are already being taken, such as in the area of electricity interconnectors and the preparation of major transport infrastructure projects. In this context, he highlighted the importance of a motorway link between the two countries. As regards economic cooperation in the energy sector, Fico mentioned a logistical issue concerning iron ore imports for the Kosice steelworks, explaining that the problem was caused by a shortage of locomotives. "So we agreed to take the first step: three locomotives will be made available to Ukraine, and we're discussing a further course of action to prevent similar logistical difficulties as regards Nippon Steel in Kosice," stated Fico, adding that the government intends to ask the steelworks owner to engage in this crucial issue. Fico also welcomed information that he received during a direct conversation with his Ukrainian counterpart Serhii Koretskyi. In addition to the ongoing war, the talks also revolved around international politics and Ukraine's "very serious ambitions" to join the EU. "The information that I received from the Ukrainian prime minister is invaluable for us, as it also allows us to better navigate international politics," he stated. In addition, Fico reaffirmed Slovakia's support for Ukraine's integration efforts. "We fully respect your European ambition and we say that anyone wishing to become an EU-member state has the right to apply, meet the criteria and join the Union," said Fico, adding that Slovakia is ready to assist its eastern neighbour in its integration efforts. "We're offering help as regards our experience of being an EU member, as well as the expertise that we gained during the accession process," added Fico. He also voiced his belief that another joint meeting of the Slovak and Ukrainian governments will take place soon, and he's also receptive to the idea of setting up a joint business forum. In the Ukrainian city of Lviv, the Slovak and Ukrainian governments signed several documents, including a joint declaration on cooperation between the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine and the Government of the Slovak Republic, an agreement between the two countries' education ministries on setting up and operating bilingual grammar schools in Slovakia and Ukraine, a memorandum of understanding between the same ministries on cooperation in human resources development, education, research and science for the nuclear industry, as well as a letter of intent between Ukraine's Ministry for Recovery, Infrastructure and Transport and Slovakia's Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for the Recovery Plan and a Knowledge-based Economy on cooperation in modernising border infrastructure and introducing the electronic border-crossing eQueue system. According to Koretskyi, the fourth round of consultations between the Slovak and Ukrainian governments produced concrete results. He thanked the Slovak premier for providing a further energy assistance package worth €500,000 for purchasing generators that will help ensure energy stability in Ukrainian regions, particularly those near the frontline. The Ukrainian Prime Minister also welcomed Slovakia's decision to join the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, as well as a contribution of €300,000 for schools in the Chernihiv and Sumy regions. He also appreciated a €200,000 assistance package for healthcare facilities in Ukraine. According to him, Ukraine relies on the resumption of emergency electricity supplies through Slovakia's territory. Specific agreements to support cross-border logistics have reportedly been agreed as well, including the expansion of existing border crossings. The talks between the prime ministers also revolved around the shared European future. In this context, Koretskyi said that Ukraine relies on Slovakia's support for the opening of further EU accession clusters. The two premiers also agreed to organise a meeting in the V4 plus Ukraine format. NOTE: This story has been extended to include paragraphs 4, 7, 8 and 14 to 18 jrg