President Kiska recognises need to upgrade army but urges for transparency

On Wednesday President Andrej Kiska, who is also the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, said that he was glad that young people today no longer have compulsory military service. The president attended an assembly of commanders of the Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces Milan Maxim, along with Defence Minister Martin Glváč. In light of Slovakia having many weapons that go back many years, Kiska welcomes plans for the modernization of the armed forces but urged those responsible to ensure that all purchases are transparent and well planned given the large amount of funding involved. As President Kiska further pointed out, the fact that there is a military conflict in our neighbouring country proves that defence of our country is important. "We must realize that we are not a lone soldier in the field, but are members of the Alliance. On one hand we are involved in protection of the border of the Alliance and we must honour our commitments, but we must also be aware that it is our army in particular that carries the responsibility for the safety of our country" Kiska stated.