Slovakia and Israel enjoy excellent ties and it is desirable to expand on their cooperation even further, President Zuzana Caputova concurred with Israeli Foreign Affairs Minister Yair Lapid during their talks in Bratislava on Monday. They also discussed the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. “We both condemn the Russian invasion, for which no excuse exists," Caputova posted on a social network on the same day. According to President, Israel appreciates the support that Slovakia is showing to the war refugees. "Together we support every effort geared towards a diplomatic solution to the conflict that might bring peace to a sovereign Ukraine," she posted.
Slovak Foreign Affairs Minister Ivan Korcok and his Israeli counterpart Yair Lapid have called on Russia to stop the war in Ukraine immediately. They demanded the withdrawal of troops from Ukrainian territory and political negotiations that will lead to peace and condemning Russia's escalation of the conflict. "There is no excuse for the invasion of Ukraine and its territorial integrity, and there is no excuse for attacks on the civilian population. This war must end," said Lapid, adding that he and Korcok also spoke about helping Israelis who are trying to escape from Ukraine at the eastern border crossing of Vysne Nemecke. According to Lapid, Israel will do everything in its power to mediate the restoration of peace, declaring that his country is the closest ally of the USA and the European Union. Korcok highlighted practical cooperation with Israel, especially in the field of defence. "Israeli 3D radar will protect Slovak airspace. This is one of the most important modernisation projects of our armed forces," stated the head of Slovak diplomacy. According to Korcok, Slovakia's cooperation with Israel in the hi-tech economy is deepening. The two countries are also building partnerships in research and development, while other projects are focused on innovation.
The ministers also discussed the Holocaust, stressing that they do not want the tragedy to be repeated. "Slovakia will deal with its part of responsibility for the Holocaust with grief and a real determination to suppress antisemitism," said Korcok, adding that Slovakia is committed to protecting the Slovak Jewish community today and in the future.
Source: TASR
