Foreign Affairs Minister Juraj Blanar (Smer-SD) left to Moscow on Sunday evening (25 October), to lead the Slovak delegation at the 22nd meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission for Economic and Scientific-Technical Co-operation between Slovakia and Russia scheduled for Monday.
The aim is to establish a framework for cooperation in line with Slovakia's obligations arising from its membership of the European Union in areas of mutual interest, specifically in energy, nuclear energy, agriculture, environmental protection, tourism, sport and culture.
"We reject the idea of a new iron curtain being erected between the EU and Russia, and we consider it to be of the utmost importance, even in these challenging times, to maintain open channels of communication, which is also the purpose of the intergovernmental commission's meeting. We regard this format as an important tool for dialogue, which is essential for Slovakia's national interests," Blanár said.
He also emphasised that the Slovak government is keen to maintain constructive and pragmatic relations with the Russian Federation. It wishes to continue developing economic cooperation in those sectors not covered by European sanctions.
"The absolute priority on which I'm travelling to Moscow is Slovakia's energy security. Following a decision by the European Commission, we will be forced to stop purchasing Russian gas in September next year. However, Slovakia has a contract with Russia, via state-owned gas utility SPP - which runs until 2034 on 'take or pay' terms; in other words, Slovakia faces the risk of having to pay the Russian side compensation amounting to more than €10 billion," emphasised Blanár. He pointed out that, in the event of further increases, the arbitration award could rise to as much as €16 billion.
The Slovak Foreign Minister was also to discuss this issue with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov.
Source: TASR
