Defence State Secretary M. Majer meets British Ambassador N. Baker for talks on defence and security goals and priorities

Defence State Secretary Marian Majer received the British Ambassador to Slovakia, His Excellency Mr Nigel Baker OBE MVO at the Ministry of Defence for talks on the priorities of both countries in the field of security and defence policy, as well as discussing areas of further cooperation after the United Kingdom’s transition period and withdrawal from the EU. Another part of the discussion was dedicated to the UK’s involvement in the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) missions and operations.

Defence State Secretary Marian Majer said: “Joint solutions to defence and security issues represent an important part of our European and transatlantic relations, so it is important that we keep looking for ways to solve current challenges as part of our existing cooperation and that we extend it further.” The common foreign policy priorities of both nations place great importance on deepening mutual ties in the politico-military sphere, the Defence State Secretary added.

Focus of today’s meeting was also on the ongoing measures being applied by both Governments to limit the spread of COVID-19. Secretary Majer updated Ambassador Baker on current actions taken by the SVK Armed Forces to support the biggest operation in the history of Slovakia, codenamed Op Shared Responsibility, to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.

Defence State Secretary Majer informed British Ambassador Baker about work underway to complete the SVK Defence Strategy and the SVK Security Strategy in close cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs. He also provided an update on current deployments of the SVK Armed Forces as part of international crisis management.