Slovakia ready to contribute to fight against Islamic State

Slovakia is prepared to contribute to the activities of the international coalition against the Islamic State (IS), according to Slovakia's foreign and European affairs policy for 2015 approved by the Government on Wednesday. "Slovakia will assume its share of responsibility via military and humanitarian aid", reads the material. It has also pointed out that crisis events in eastern Ukraine and the Middle East have put Slovak foreign affairs policies to the test in a way Slovakia hasn't had to face in 20 years. Slovakia will continue to participate in foreign missions and operations, namely, EUFOR ALTHEA in Bosnia and Herzegovina, UNFICYP in Cyprus and UNTSO in the Middle East. Slovak civilian experts will be involved in EU missions in Kosovo, the Moldovan-Ukrainian border and in Palestine. After the end of ISAF in Afghanistan, Slovakia stands ready to contribute into new NATO training mission Resolute Support and provide $500,000 to the development of Afghan security forces. As for the enlargement of the union, Slovakia still continues to support European integration ambitions of the western Balkans. "We find it important to have individual chapters opened with Serbia as soon as possible", according to the ministry statement, which added that emphasis must be placed on continuation of the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina.