Modernising the military shouldn't hinge on political mood, says President

Slovakia's modernisation plans for its military should be systemic, transparent, comprehensive and not subject to change according to the political climate of the day, President Andrej Kiska said after his meeting with Defence Minister Peter Gajdoš (SNS nominee) on Tuesday. Kiska believes that the Slovak Armed Forces still enjoys a high level of trust, yet the public invests less interest in them than they deserve. There's a broad array of issues new Defence Minister Gajdoš will have to deal with in his portfolio, said Kiska. Gajdoš told the President that prior to taking office, he spent 41 years and 202 days in the military. The new Defence Minister claimed that securing the defence of the country is not only a duty but also an honour for every citizen of Slovakia. He announced that Slovakia will have its security strategy approved in the foreseeable future. "My task will be to process the defence strategy - including the military strategy - due to be drafted by the Armed Forces of Slovakia", he claimed, adding that he will vie for public support in this process. Gajdoš also pledged to continue the modernisation of the military in a transparent manner and in a way that provides the greatest cost-benefit efficiency.