President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky had a phone conversation with the Prime Minister of Slovakia, Robert Fico, during which the parties discussed the prospects of bilateral relations and Ukraine’s European integration.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Slovakia promises support for Ukraine’s Euro-Integration aspirations
During the dialogue, Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the importance of close cooperation with Bratislava, highlighting that both countries are interested in developing their partnership. The President thanked Slovakia for its willingness to share its experience of joining the European Union and invited Robert Fico to visit Kyiv. In turn, Zelensky received an invitation to come to Bratislava.
“We are both interested in this. It was important to hear that Slovakia supports Ukraine’s membership in the European Union and is ready to share its accession experience.”
Separately, the parties agreed to organize a personal meeting in the near future, instructing their teams to work out the appropriate schedule.
Cooperation on security and sanctions issues
Robert Fico emphasized on his social media that despite having different positions with Zelensky on certain issues, both leaders strive to maintain good neighborly relations between their countries. The Prime Minister stressed that Slovakia supports Ukraine’s ambitions for EU membership, as it advocates for stability and democracy at the border.
Fico also reported on a planned brief meeting with Zelensky during the European Political Community summit in Yerevan, and in the future, on mutual visits to Kyiv and Bratislava. Additionally, he noted:
“I also emphasized that no peace agreement in the military conflict with the Russian Federation is possible without the consent of the Ukrainian side.”
Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar noted back on April 16 that his country is ready to lift its objections to providing Ukraine with a €90 billion EU loan. At the same time, Slovakia maintained its position regarding the adoption of the 20th sanctions package against the Russian Federation. The European Union ultimately approved this sanctions package on April 22.