Peter Priputen to Become Slovakia's Ambassador to Russia Again (2)

Bratislava, November 25 (TASR) - Peter Priputen will reprise his role as Slovakia's Ambassador to Russia again, with Foreign and European Affairs Minister Juraj Blanar (Smer-SD) having met with him prior to his appointment, TASR learnt from the ministry press department on Monday. Priputen already served as Slovakia's Ambassador in Moscow in 2014-20. "In light of the ongoing conflicts in the world, as well as in our immediate neighbourhood, Slovakia as a sovereign state and international relations actor continues to promote meticulously the need to strive for dialogue and seek diplomatic solutions. In line with the Slovak Government's Manifesto, we're calling for the earliest possible end to the fighting and the start of peace talks in all these cases," claimed the minister. He added that Slovakia is principled in its support for compliance with international law and condemns its violation by the Russian Federation. According to Blanar, Slovakia needs to maintain a pragmatic and fair cooperation with Russia, particularly in the sphere of energy security. It is in Slovakia's interest to preserve existing corridors for the transit of energy commodities. Priputen added that he will employ every available tool to advance Slovakia's interests in Russia, while complying with restrictions stemming from Slovakia's commitments towards the EU and NATO. The new ambassador listed culture, science and education as important fields negatively affected by the war in Ukraine. "This concerns, for instance, the need to maintain ties with Slovak scientists working in the Joint Institute for Nuclear Institute in Dubno [Ukraine], on international projects," he thinks. mf/mcs