Michalovce, Slovakia – April 11, 2024 – Slovakian Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár met with his Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Kuleba today in Michalovce for a joint government meeting. Discussions centered on concrete ways Slovakia can bolster Ukraine’s recovery efforts, with a focus on humanitarian aid, infrastructure development, and demining war-torn regions.
This high-level meeting follows a successful January summit between the two countries’ prime ministers in Uzhhorod. Minister Blanár reaffirmed Slovakia’s unwavering support for Ukraine, outlining a roadmap for collaboration on key projects.
“We’ve agreed on several initiatives crucial for Ukraine’s functioning,” stated Blanár. These include establishing a rail link between Košice and Kyiv, modernizing the electricity connection, and expanding capacity at the Vyshny Nemetsky border crossing. This enhanced infrastructure will also benefit Slovakia when it comes to participating in Ukraine’s future reconstruction.”
The peace conference Ukraine is hosting in Switzerland this June was another key topic. “We strongly support all peace efforts,” said Blanár. “While Russia’s non-participation is unfortunate, the involvement of China and other major powers could be significant. Slovakia fully backs this initiative and will be present at the conference.”
Slovakia’s longstanding commitment to Ukraine’s well-being was highlighted, particularly in providing psychosocial support to war victims and humanitarian demining assistance.
The discussions also touched upon Ukraine’s path to European integration. While acknowledging the necessary reforms and EU requirements, Blanár expressed Slovakia’s support, particularly in areas related to human rights legislation and protections for national minorities. He commended Ukraine’s efforts regarding the Slovak expatriate community residing within the country and offered further assistance in navigating the EU accession process.
The two ministers signed an intergovernmental agreement streamlining work permits for family members of diplomatic staff. Blanár emphasized this agreement’s significance, noting it’s a standard practice already established with other nations.
Concluding the talks, Minister Blanár characterized the meeting as exceptionally productive and substantive, emphasizing Slovakia’s commitment to helping Ukraine overcome the war’s devastation. “Today marks a new chapter in Slovak-Ukrainian bilateral cooperation,” he declared.