The concept of a sovereign Slovak foreign policy must continue as it's the only concept that will ensure a dignified position of Slovakia in the international community and that can guarantee the "survival" of such a small country, said Premier Robert Fico following his inspection at the Foreign Affairs Ministry on Tuesday.
It's also important, Fico added, to continue the concept of a foreign policy that focuses on east, west, north and south. "You will be supported in establishing contacts with all countries of the world that are interested," the premier told Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar (Smer-SD).
According to Fico, Slovakia values and respects its memberships of the EU, NATO and other international organisations. At the same time he stressed the need to respect international law. Blanar confirmed that he and Fico are consistent in their views on this issue.
Fico remarked that the government and the opposition have fundamentally opposing views on several issues concerning the EU and NATO, reiterating that he rejects any consideration of abolishing the veto rights of EU-member states. He also pointed to different views on tackling irregular migration, reiterating that Slovakia rejects the new EU migration pact. "I will encourage all MPs in the coalition never to agree to it," he claimed, adding that Smer won't support its adoption.
Fico went on to remark that he doesn't agree with Ukraine's membership of NATO, either. "Slovakia needs a neutral Ukraine, otherwise it [Slovakia] will be threatened," he opined.
According to the prime minister, the concept of a sovereign foreign policy should also be respected by ambassadors and diplomats representing Slovakia abroad. He asked Blanar to always stress this when making personnel decisions and nominations.
Blanar explained that the ministry is interested in defining Slovakia's presence in countries where investments can be acquired. He confirmed that a review of Slovakia's embassies with emphasis on economic diplomacy was underway. "After a big exodus of economic diplomats, we have to look for new ones who will operate in major destinations in which we are interested," he said, adding that these include Cuba, Latin America, South Korea, China, Azerbaijan and Japan, as well as the Indo-Pacific region. Slovakia, he said, wants to open new embassies in three cities.
(TASR)
