Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of the Swiss Confederation
Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of the Swiss Confederation
11/19/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/19/2024 09:54
Ignazio Cassis receives Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár in Bern
The head of the FDFA, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, received Slovakia's Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Juraj Blanár in Bern on 19 November. Bilateral relations, Switzerland's European policy and the geopolitical situation, in particular the war in Ukraine, were key topics of discussion. Both delegations stressed the need for sound cooperation within multilateral bodies to promote peace and security in Europe.
Mr Cassis and Mr Blanár praised the close bilateral relations between their respective countries. Slovakia is a beneficiary of Switzerland's second contribution to selected EU member states. "The ways in which we work together in the areas of healthcare, sustainable tourism and vocational training strengthen our relations and contribute to cohesion and stability in Europe," enthused Mr Cassis. Switzerland's ongoing support for various projects in Slovakia, with funding to the tune of CHF 44.2 million, will run until 2029.
European dossier
Mr Cassis also briefed his Slovakian counterpart on how negotiations with the EU are progressing. He stressed the Federal Council's desire to stabilise and develop bilateral relations with the EU and to find balanced solutions to the issues still outstanding.
Geopolitical situation and peace efforts
The European security architecture, in particular with regard to the war in Ukraine, was also on the agenda. The discussions focused mainly on the reconstruction of Ukraine and the need to re-establish a just and lasting peace. In this respect, Switzerland's efforts, as reflected in the Summit on Peace in Ukraine held at the Bürgenstock, which Minister Blanár attended last June, and the recent conference on demining in Ukraine, were highlighted. Mr Cassis mentioned the CHF 5 billion in support that the Federal Council plans to grant to Ukraine and the region over the next twelve years.
Given the current geopolitical context, sound cooperation within multilateral bodies such as the OSCE and NATO is essential to promote peace and security in Europe. As regards ending the conflict in the Middle East, both countries' ministers stressed that dialogue, respect for international law, and de-escalation are essential.
The talks also focused on the UN Security Council, allowing Mr Cassis to share Switzerland's experiences as a member of the council. Slovakia is a candidate for a non-permanent seat on the council for the period 2028-29.
Further information:
Bilateral relations Switzerland-Slovakia
Programmes/projects in Slovakia
Address for enquiries:
FDFA Communication
Federal Palace West Wing
CH-3003 Bern, Switzerland
Tel. Press service: +41 58 460 55 55
E-mail: [email protected]
Twitter: @SwissMFA
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