Foreign Minister Lajčák misses platform for open debate with Russia

On Saturday, Slovak Foreign and European Affairs Minister Miroslav Lajčák stated that he missed the existence of a platform for "pragmatic communication with Russia for a better understanding of the arguments, motivation and positions of individual parties". He made the statement after speaking with Russia's State Duma education committee chairman Vyacheslav Nikonov on the side-lines of the GLOBSEC security conference. "We can disagree with each other, but dialogue is meant for dealing with problems," said the Slovak, adding that he spoke with Nikonov on the situation in Ukraine and prospects for the Minsk Process. Meanwhile, Lajčák on Saturday also met US Vice President Mike Pence's National Security Advisor Andrea Thompson to discuss Slovakia's commitments to NATO. According to Lajčák, NATO should pay more attention to the countries of the Eastern and Southern Partnerships, with a special focus on the Western Balkans. At talks with Montenegro's Foreign Affairs Minister Srdjan Darmanović, Lajčák expressed Slovakia's support for the Balkan country's EU bid and its accession to NATO, expected to be completed in early June.