Interim Foreign Affairs Minister Rastislav Kacer received foreign ambassadors at the ministry on Tuesday on the occasion of the anniversary of Slovakia's accession to the European Union (EU) and NATO, TASR has learnt from the ministry's communication department.
He described joining the two organisations as a crucial generational decision that has no alternative and the importance of which was also confirmed by recent geopolitical events.
"Last couple of years were tough. The coronavirus pandemic, the energy crisis, high inflation and the war waged by Russia against our eastern neighbour have fundamentally changed our lives. However, these crises also showed us who our true friends and allies are and where we as a civilisation belong. They also proved that only thanks to the EU and NATO membership we are stronger and better prepared to cope with challenges," stated Kacer.
According to the minister, both the EU and NATO are exclusive clubs of developed countries, strong in terms of military and productive in terms of economy, to which their members can only accede by invitation and after meeting demanding criteria. Slovakia has fulfilled its role, he added.
"Over the past almost two decades, we have confirmed that we are a reliable member of the EU and at the same time a responsible and solidary member of NATO. In return, NATO is ready to defend our country uncompromisingly and without delay," said Kacer, documenting his words with the presence of allied forces and equipment on our territory.
The Slovak Republic marked the 19th anniversary of its entry in NATO on March 29. It will mark 19 years since joining the EU on May 1.
Source: TASR
