The UK and Slovakia have signalled their joint commitment to
continue providing military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine, in
the week that marks one year since the start of Putin’s illegal
invasion.
Foreign Secretary signed a joint declaration
in London with his Slovak counterpart, Rastislav Káčer,
underlining the European partners’ firm and unwavering rejection
of Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine.
As NATO allies, the ministers agreed to deepen defence
cooperation to protect European security, as well as stepping up
work together to counter disinformation and malicious cyber
activity.
Foreign Secretary said:
Since day one of Putin’s illegal invasion, the UK and Slovakia
have been staunch allies in our support to Ukraine.
As we approach a year since the conflict began, we must maintain
our collective resolve and accelerate military support so that
Ukraine can win this war.
The Foreign Secretary welcomed the crucial support Slovakia has
already provided to Ukraine, including the provision of military
hardware, training to Ukrainian troops and providing shelter to
over 100,000 Ukrainian refugees.
The joint declaration also seeks to strengthen economic ties and
cooperation on shared priorities including countering illegal
migration in Europe and combatting climate change.
Five years on from of the murder of Slovak investigative
journalist Ján Kuciak and his fiancée Martina Kušnírová, the
Foreign Secretary also expressed his hope that all involved in
the horrific attack will be held to account.
2023 marks 30 years of diplomatic relations between the UK and
Slovakia, which the ministers looked forward to building on as
good friends and allies, as well as protecting our shared values
of freedom and democracy.
