Sklenar Holds Talks with US Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Policy

Bratislava/Washington, September 8 (TASR) - Defence Minister Martin Sklenar held talks with US Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Sasha Baker in Washington on Thursday, praising the high level of US-Slovak bilateral cooperation in defence, TASR has learnt from the Defence Ministry. According to the minister, the USA is a key partner for Slovakia in modernising its army. In this vein, Sklenar pointed to the ongoing procurement of F-16 fighter aircraft, the acquisition of UH-60 helicopters, plus other projects in the field of armaments financed from US aid funds. "True allies care about making their close partners feel secure. We have long perceived this interest on the US side, and we can see real measures in the form of support for the modernisation of the Slovak armed forces and our defence industry. However, it's not only about acquisition projects, but also the fact that US soldiers and personnel are operating on the territory of the Slovak Republic as part of NATO units in response to the Russian occupation of Ukraine," stated Sklenar, adding that US assistance in educating and training members of the Slovak army is also an important part of bilateral cooperation. The Americans praised Slovakia's political and practical support for Ukraine. Sklenar declared readiness to continue to provide targeted and sustained assistance to Kiev. Slovakia is currently identifying opportunities for cooperation with the Ukrainian defence industry in the field of demining equipment, while processes related to increasing the capacity of Slovak companies to produce artillery ammunition, which Ukraine urgently needs, are ongoing. zel/df