P. Gajdoš: Slovakia approaches its NATO commitments in a responsible manner and makes historically highest investments in modernisation
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- Date: 13.02.2020
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Slovakia approaches its commitments vis-à-vis NATO in a responsible manner, which is evidenced by its real measures in a number of areas. This message was conveyed by Defence Minister Peter Gajdoš after today’s NATO Defence Ministers Meeting in Brussels.
Head of the MOD emphasised that Slovakia continues to gradually increase its defence spending, with the 2% Defence Investment Pledge (DIP) to be met by 2024. “In 2019, we made historically highest investments, i.e. 41.6% of our defence budget, towards enhancing the modernisation and development of armed forces. We are aware that collective defence is a reflection of the responsibility with which individual member countries approach it,” he said.
Today NATO Defence Ministers also discussed Ukraine’s progress in its reforming and Euro-Atlantic integration efforts. “Slovakia has supported Ukraine in its pro-Western direction in the long run, be that as part of the NATO Trust Fund for Ukraine where it is the Lead Nation, our contribution to the NATO Liaison Office in Kiev, or the cooperation between our military academies,” explained Minister Gajdoš, noting that Slovakia is ready to ensure continuity of the activities. Also, he invited the Minister of Defence of Ukraine for an official visit to Slovakia.
The last meeting was dedicated to NATO’s Resolute Support Mission (RSM) in Afghanistan. Minister Gajdoš confirmed the Slovak Armed Forces’ commitment to remaining in the mission until such time that comprehensive peace arrangements have been reached in the country. He said: “We consider the Slovak Republic’s involvement in the Resolute Support Mission as Slovakia’s significant contribution to the fight against terrorism and an effective way of supporting the ongoing peace process in the country.” This approach was confirmed by consensus of all Allies and the partner countries contributing to the RSM.
Head of the MOD emphasised that Slovakia continues to gradually increase its defence spending, with the 2% Defence Investment Pledge (DIP) to be met by 2024. “In 2019, we made historically highest investments, i.e. 41.6% of our defence budget, towards enhancing the modernisation and development of armed forces. We are aware that collective defence is a reflection of the responsibility with which individual member countries approach it,” he said.
Today NATO Defence Ministers also discussed Ukraine’s progress in its reforming and Euro-Atlantic integration efforts. “Slovakia has supported Ukraine in its pro-Western direction in the long run, be that as part of the NATO Trust Fund for Ukraine where it is the Lead Nation, our contribution to the NATO Liaison Office in Kiev, or the cooperation between our military academies,” explained Minister Gajdoš, noting that Slovakia is ready to ensure continuity of the activities. Also, he invited the Minister of Defence of Ukraine for an official visit to Slovakia.
The last meeting was dedicated to NATO’s Resolute Support Mission (RSM) in Afghanistan. Minister Gajdoš confirmed the Slovak Armed Forces’ commitment to remaining in the mission until such time that comprehensive peace arrangements have been reached in the country. He said: “We consider the Slovak Republic’s involvement in the Resolute Support Mission as Slovakia’s significant contribution to the fight against terrorism and an effective way of supporting the ongoing peace process in the country.” This approach was confirmed by consensus of all Allies and the partner countries contributing to the RSM.
