Minister Naď discusses defence and security with ambassadors of the Nordic and Baltic countries and the USA

Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď welcomed the ambassadors of Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden and the USA to the Ministry of Defence in Bratislava today, to address current political and security issues with the emphasis on the MOD's priorities in the context of support for Ukraine and SVK Defence modernisation.

In a meeting with the ambassadors of the Nordic and Baltic countries, Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď said: “Russia’s aggression against Ukraine is the biggest security challenge for our countries in decades. I am very pleased that Slovakia’s clear positions and resolve to help Ukraine in its justified struggle for freedom are also appreciated by our partners from the Baltics and Scandinavia, several of whom share borders with Russia. The Russian invasion has prompted some countries to historically reassess their security policy and join the world’s strongest defence alliance. Indeed, this is a landmark step, albeit, sadly, against the backdrop of such despicable circumstances.“

On Sweden and Finland's aspirations for NATO membership, he noted that Slovakia has been their supporter ever since they filed letters of application to accede to the Alliance. On this note, still ahead of the meeting, Finnish Ambassador Pasi Tuominen had a separate office call with Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď, who extended his congratulations to Finland on its recent accession to the Alliance on 4 April 2023.

At the meeting, Minister Naď thanked the ambassadors of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania for their countries' contributions to the stability of NATO and the EU's eastern border. In addition, he cited the initiative of Norway and Denmark which along with Germany decided last year to fund 16 Zuzana 2 self-propelled howitzer gun systems for Ukraine as a successful example of Slovakia's defence cooperation with the Scandinavian countries.

Concluding the gathering, Mr Naď said: “Our excellent bilateral relationships and cooperation as part of international organisations and multilateral meetings are the best way to fulfil the Alliance’s commitment to maintaining peace and security on NATO’s eastern flank.”

Later today, Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď separately met with His Excellency Mr Gautam A. Rana, U.S. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Slovakia, to discuss current transatlantic processes and the modernisation priorities that are linked to the $200m in U.S. Foreign Military Financing (FMF) grant assistance to Slovakia.

As proposed by the Slovak Armed Forces, these FMF funds will go towards purchasing Oshkosh 4x4 Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTVs), 5,000 M4 assault rifles, and advanced anti-drone systems. Minister Naď and Ambassador Rana also discussed the next essential steps to be taken regarding the U.S. offer of 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters to Slovakia.