Minister Naď speaks with Swedish Ambassador Markovic to discuss Ukraine and SVK-SWE defence cooperation

Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď received the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Sweden to Austria and Slovakia, Her Excellency Ms Annika Markovic at the Ministry of Defence today (12 April 2022). Topics of discussion covered Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the resulting impact on the security situation in Europe and Slovak-Swedish bilateral cooperation in the field of defence and security.

On Ukraine, Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď said: “The change in the strategic security situation has resulted in the West taking a strong and united stance. In particular, I appreciate the consensus that now exists on our stands against the Russian aggression and mutual cooperation and support for Ukraine. It's inevitable to continue to help the country defend itself – and, of course, while keeping aligned with the provisions of the UN Charter.” To that end, Ambassador Markovic praised Slovakia for providing its S-300 air defence system to Ukraine.

On SVK-SWE bilateral cooperation, the head of the MOD underscored Sweden's initiative to resume political and military dialogue at the expert level after several years of stagnation, in the form of talks at IDEB 2022 in Bratislava. According to Minister Naď, among other areas of possible cooperation that might be advanced are, for example, military education, training and exercises, the pursuit of interoperability, and the sharing of lessons learned from the regional security and defence cooperation structures with the Nordic countries.