Climate change, the conference in Paris, the UN security reform, as well as migration were the main topics of the meetings between United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and representatives of the Slovak Republic, including President Andrej Kiska, Prime Minister Robert Fico, and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Miroslav Lajčák. The UN chief said that the talks with Slovakia's top politicians were "constructive and valuable".
On Monday Ban Ki-moon called the issue of migration and refugees as one of the most significant global issues at present that mustn't only be a European issue, but needs to be addressed with global solidarity and compassion. Ban recognised the aid that the European Union has been providing, and expressed hope for a broader and more comprehensive solution to be adopted at the EU - Africa summit in Malta in November. The UN official made these statements after meeting with Slovak Foreign and European Affairs Minister Miroslav Lajčák. Lajčák pledged Slovakia's readiness to participate in coming to grips with the problem of migration. "We're convinced of the need for a joint international effort directed at attaining long-lasting, strategic and sustainable solutions that will consider causes of illegal migration," he said. The Slovak Cabinet has earmarked €2 million toward the UN's programmes and funds aimed at lessening the effects of the migration crisis and another €600,000 is to be spent on conflict prevention, mediation and the Secretary General's "good offices". Ban called this a generous display of support that will help the UN in its efforts to save lives.
The UN Secretary-General also paid a visit to the facility in Gabčíkovo, in western Slovakia, which is currently accommodating almost 500 asylum seekers from Austria. Ban gave thanks to Slovakia and Austria for looking after these migrants.
