BRATISLAVA, May 11, (WEBNOVINY) — The Slovak Republic perceives the U.S. as a strategic partner and considers defense cooperation with the United States as extremely important, said the press department of the Ministry of Defense in a press release. State Secretary of the Ministry of Defense Milos Koterec also said on Friday during a meeting with U.S. Ambassador to Slovakia Theodore Sedgwick that the ministry will continue to develop bilateral relations in defense-security area. „We know that Europe must assume more responsibility for its own security and the related development of some key capabilities. Slovakia is ready to participate in their development within its means and capabilities, including financially,“ said Koterec.
According to information from the press release, concerning ISAF mission in Afghanistan, Slovakia particularly appreciates the joint preparation and operation of its special forces with U.S. special forces. „We would be glad if this unit could be kept in Afghanistan for at least three planned rotations,“ said the American Ambassador, who stressed the importance of the role Slovakia plays in other foreign operations, such as in Bosnia, and Cyprus. The Ambassador also appreciated the opportunities provided by the military training area Lest for training specialists of Slovak and American armed forces. „Slovakia wants to focus on multinational cooperation in joint procurement, sharing and maintenance of those skills that would otherwise be too expensive for us,“ informed the press department of the Ministry of Defense. Slovakia perceives countries of the region of the Visegrad Group as natural partners for developing this cooperation. Presentation of specific proposed project of multinational cooperation can be expected at the upcoming NATO Summit in Chicago.
SITA