American Ambassador to Slovakia Theodore Sedgwick on Tuesday presented Slovak soldiers with armaments and equipment provided as a gift to the Slovak Armed Forces from the U.S. Defence Department, TASR learnt on the same day.
“The Donation of equipment from the U.S.A. to Slovakia is just another indicator of the very close collaboration between the two armies,” said Sedgwick. Seven M-RAP armoured vehicles that the Slovak army received on Tuesday on a long-term lease were made in the U.S.A. and were designed to protect soldiers from mines and booby traps. Their chassis forms a V shape, which mitigates the effects of pressure waves. The vehicles are currently being used in the ISAF mission in Afghanistan, for example. “This is a historic moment for us,” said Slovak Defence Minister Martin Glvač commenting on the aid. He added that this batch of equipment is only the first part of an aid package from the U.S. Government. The next consignment, which should include, for example, U.S. M4 assault rifles and several sniper rifles, is expected to come next year. “The aid is an expression of gratitude for the way in which we react to possible deployment in international crisis management, particularly in regards to Afghanistan,” added Glvač. The total amount of aid reaches $20 million, part of which is made up of equipment and the rest of financial assistance.
