Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár (Smer-SD) has met his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Beijing to discuss strengthening the strategic partnership between Slovakia and China, improving trade relations and expanding cooperation in emerging technologies.
According to the Slovak Foreign Ministry, the talks focused on Slovakia's bid for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council, better access for Slovak companies to the Chinese market and cooperation in science, artificial intelligence, robotics, advanced materials and green technologies. Slovakia also expressed interest in extending visa-free travel for its citizens to China beyond 2026.
Blanár emphasised the importance of maintaining direct and constructive dialogue with China, while respecting Slovakia's commitments to the European Union and NATO. He also called for more balanced trade relations, noting that China is Slovakia's largest trading partner outside Europe.
The minister is accompanied by representatives of Slovak companies and is expected to attend a Slovak-Chinese business forum aimed at identifying new export and investment opportunities. Slovakia is particularly interested in projects with higher added value involving domestic suppliers, universities and researchers. Blanár is also scheduled to open a Slovak Institute in Beijing.
His diplomatic trip will continue to the Philippines, marking the first official visit by a Slovak foreign minister in 11 years. In Manila, Blanár will open Slovakia's first resident embassy and sign the country's accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia during an ASEAN ministerial meeting.
Source: TASR
