Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď meets British Ambassador Nigel Baker to outline their expectations for NATO Madrid Summit

Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď had the pleasure of receiving the British Ambassador to Slovakia, His Excellency Mr Nigel Baker at the Ministry of Defence in Bratislava today (Friday 24 June 2022). They addressed the current security situation and outlined their expectations for the NATO Madrid Summit, which is to host the Heads of State and Government from NATO's member countries.

Speaking at the meeting, Jaroslav Naď said: “The war in Ukraine has had an accelerating effect on the processes occurring within the Alliance. Slovakia has been consistent in its position – both on Ukraine and the strengthening of collective defence. We support bolstering NATOʼs eastern flank, Sweden and Finlandʼs entry into NATO, and other strategic decisions to the benefit of collective defence.”

On the NATO Leaders Summit in Madrid, the head of the SVK MOD expects that it will send out a strong message of the Allied unity and resolve to adapt to the prospects of the changing security environment. In this respect, Mr Naď appreciated both sides exchanging information on national positions on individual areas of collective defence where a significant shift may be reached at the summit.

Minister Naď and Ambassador Baker are delighted to see SVK-UK defence ties deepening, meaning that there are opportunities to realise concrete benefits for Slovakia and the United Kingdom, as well as for Ukraine in the form of support.