Pavel Vizdal New Slovak Ambassador to Ukraine

Bratislava, June 24 (TASR) - Foreign Affairs Minister Juraj Blanar (Smer-SD) on Monday announced the appointment of a new Slovak ambassador to Ukraine, namely Pavel Vizdal, who's current Slovak Ambassador at Large for Ukraine. The minister cliamed that the war in Ukraine is the most acute foreign policy and security challenge for Slovakia. "Our priorities in this area are the provision of humanitarian aid, support for a peaceful resolution and the earliest possible end to the conflict," he said. The new ambassador said that the diplomatic mission in Ukraine will continue to strengthen the bilateral dialogue under his leadership. "I have clear priorities that I will implement in Ukraine. The main pillars of our programme are the development of Slovak-Ukrainian relations, cooperation in providing assistance to Ukraine with a focus on humanitarian projects and the development agenda, deepening economic cooperation, and the integration of Ukraine into European structures," he explained. According to the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Slovakia is interested in participating in the post-war reconstruction of its eastern neighbour and the Slovak Embassy in Kiev will provide maximum assistance to state and non-state stakeholders in specific business opportunities. At the same time, in cooperation with the Slovak Consulate General in Uzhhorod and the network of honorary consulates in the country, the new ambassador will continue to maintain and intensify contacts with the local compatriot community, and the embassy will provide Slovak citizens with the necessary consular services and assistance in emergency situations. zel