Minister of Internal Affairs Igor Klimenko took part in joint consultations between the Governments of Ukraine and Slovakia
Today, April 11, the Ukrainian and Slovak delegations, led by the Prime Minister of Ukraine Denis Shmygal and the Prime Minister of Slovakia Robert Fizo, took part in important consultations between the Governments of both countries.
During the meeting, a number of topical issues aimed at strengthening cooperation, improving border security and humanitarian demining were discussed.
At the beginning of the meeting, Prime Minister of Ukraine Denis Shmyhal personally thanked the Government of Slovakia for its comprehensive assistance against the background of a full-scale Russian invasion and stated that it is critical for Ukraine to support the democratic world in this war.
“Good neighborliness does not lose its relevance. At present, it is critical and vital for us. And of course, when a neighbor helps, it makes life easier for a country that is in a state of full-scale war. We are grateful to Slovakia and the Slovak people for supporting Ukraine — recognizing our sovereignty and territorial integrity. We are also grateful for our support in the humanitarian, energy and military fields. We thank you for the training, treatment of our soldiers and the acceptance of our people who have become refugees,” said Denis Shmyhal.
In turn, the Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine Igor Klymenko told international partners about the increase in the number of attacks of the Russian army on critical infrastructure facilities and the need of Ukraine to protect:
“The enemy terrorizes our people every day by attacking civilian infrastructure. And next winter, if we don't stop it, we're going to have big problems. If the enemy breaks our defense somewhere, we do not know where it will stop,” Igor Klymenko said.
In response, the Minister of Internal Affairs of Slovakia Matusz Šutaj Eshtok assured that his country understands all the challenges faced by the Government of Ukraine due to the Russian attack and stressed that official Bratislava will continue to support us in the fight for independence:
“Today's meeting is an example of starting a dialogue. We are confident that our bilateral relations will only develop. For my part, I want to point out that security remains the most important issue for us and we must work fruitfully in this direction and jointly seek solutions to these challenges.”
Also one of the key topics was cooperation in the development of checkpoints and the implementation of joint border control. In particular, the development and modernization of the border crossing point “Uzhhorod-Vyshne Nemecke” from both the Ukrainian and Slovak sides was discussed.
The second important topic was the security situation in Ukraine and the fight against crime.
“The fruitful interaction between the departments of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine and Slovakia is an effective tool to prevent cross-border crime. Thanks to the constant exchange of information and operational cooperation, we are able to respond to current challenges,” said Igor Klymenko.
The parties paid special attention to the implementation of the Peace Formula of the President of Ukraine on radiation and nuclear safety. In particular, an agreement was signed between the State Border Service and the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Slovakia on the direction of interaction and cooperation in the field of radiation, chemical, biological and nuclear safety at the border.
Particular attention was paid to the provisions on humanitarian demining, in particular the initiative to continue the supply of equipment by the Slovak side within the framework of international technical assistance. Thanks to this initiative, additional equipment for demining will appear in Ukraine, which will help ensure the safety and protection of the population from explosive objects.
“I would like to thank your Government for two Bozena mechanized demining machines, which after production and delivery will be transferred to Kherson region. Such assistance is a significant contribution to improving the security level of our sappers and speeding up the process of demining this region,” said the Head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine Igor Klymenko.
In general, the consultations between Ukraine and Slovakia reflect the importance of close cooperation and joint efforts in ensuring security and stability in the country. The determination of both countries to continue cooperation shows their readiness to overcome challenges and threats together.
Department of Communications of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine
