VYSOKE TATRY, September 17, (WEBNOVINY) – Prime Minister Iveta Radicova said on Friday that the conference of NATO Military Committee in the High Tatras is an event of great importance. She underscored its significance in particular regarding the preparations of the NATO 2020 strategy, adding that the conference is the last chance to influence its shape so that it complies also with individual national strategies, including the Slovak one.
The prime minister told journalists that the NATO Military Committee will focus on three basic issues, namely administrative changes inside the alliance, changes in the NATO agenda, and its future goals. The prime minister believes that inclusion of humanitarian activities, restoration works, peacekeeping operations and assistance during natural disasters among the alliance’s activities will represent a new important component of the alliance’s focus on civil life.
The prime minister went on to say that new global risks and challenges move also NATO’s functions into the sphere where other institutions are not able to provide such activities and assistance. She mentioned as example the help of the Slovak Army during recent floods in the country. Also owing to such activities, the army is generally perceived as one of the most trustworthy institutions in Slovakia. Radicova opines that Slovakia’s contribution to NATO operation is sufficient. “The Slovak Republic has 676 soldiers in missions, which is more than five percent of our professional Slovak Army. I have only heard words of appreciation regarding operation of our professional soldiers in foreign missions,” she added. The prime minister underscored that all countries are under the pressure of the economic crisis and are considering cuts in their budgets. NATO is aware of this and is preparing its new structure taking into consideration the limited funding. “It is by far not just the case of Slovakia,” she added.
Prime Minister Iveta Radicova said that the meeting of the NATO Military Committee Conference is good promotion of the country as all media will report on the event. She believes that all participants will leave very satisfied while their references will promote the country for a second time.
SITA
