Slovak-American relations have long been based on mutual respect, alliance and practical cooperation in areas important for the security and prosperity of both countries, Foreign and European Affairs Minister Juraj Blanár (Smer-SD) said after meeting outgoing US Ambassador Gautam Rana on Tuesday.
The head of Slovak diplomacy praised the ambassador's tenure, noting that during his three and a half years in office several major milestones were achieved that strengthened the strategic nature of relations between Slovakia and the United States. These include cooperation primarily in defence and security, as well as in energy, notably the preparation of an intergovernmental agreement on the construction of a nuclear facility by the US company Westinghouse, which is to be signed in Washington in three days, Blanár pointed out.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the foreign minister also praised the outgoing US ambassador's activities in the area of so-called soft diplomacy, which includes exchanges of scientists through the Fulbright Commission and enables the continuation of the successful Work and Travel student programme.
Source: TASR
