On Sunday, Parliamentary Chair Boris Kollar, left for a working trip to Uzbekistan and China, which will last until Friday. According to Boris Kollar, the long-term relationship between Bratislava and Beijing is characterised by cooperation and constructive bilateral dialogue, including at the EU level. This is despite complex relations within the current geopolitical situation and China's growing assertiveness.
According to the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic, the two countries have forged ties in the areas of trade, investment, culture and education. "These ties have contributed to mutual understanding and appreciation of the culture and traditions of both countries," said the ministry. Revitalising mutual contacts, as well as re-establishing direct dialogue after the pandemic, are a priority and a necessity not only for Slovakia, but also other EU countries, the ministry claimed. Prior to the pandemic, Slovakia and China convened regular meetings and visits at various levels, which promoted the exchange of experiences and views.
The ministry noted, however, that Slovakia and China have diametrically different views and assessments on many international issues, primarily the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the development of transatlantic relations and reciprocal terms of trade between China and the EU. "The most significant irritants, however, are of a values nature, in which, unfortunately, China is taking a different path than our world. These issues concern respect for human rights, but also the international political order of the world. Slovakia, respecting the one-China policy, also supports cooperation in the economic and cultural spheres with Taiwan," the ministry added.
Source: TASR
