Sixty-seven Slovak ambassadors representing Slovakia abroad met at the Foreign and European Affairs Ministry for a working meeting that began on Monday (May 26) and will run until Wednesday (May 28). The focus of the meeting will be on the promotion of Slovakia's foreign policy priorities, current European and global political issues and practical matters related to the running of Slovak diplomatic missions worldwide.
"You know the situation in the individual countries and international organisations where you serve as an extended arm of Slovakia. Your insights and the voice of Slovakia are key in a world that is changing rapidly and demands difficult decisions," said Foreign Affairs Minister Juraj Blanár (Smer-SD). In his speech, he outlined the priorities of Slovak foreign policy and the positions of the Slovak government based on the current government manifesto.
According to Blanár, in developing bilateral relations within the European Union, the North Atlantic Alliance, the United Nations and other international forums of which Slovakia is a member, it's important to communicate as a reliable and predictable partner with a sovereign viewpoint. "If we disagree with something and hold a different opinion, it doesn't automatically mean that we're an unreliable partner. On the contrary, we see it as proof of our consistency and openness when we communicate our position clearly and openly with the aim of seeking consensus," said Blanár. He added that the main task of Slovak diplomacy is to defend the national interests of Slovakia and its people.
Source: TASR
