Fico Invites Zelenskyy to Slovakia for Gas and Bilateral Relations Talks 2

Bratislava, January 13 (TASR) - Premier Robert Fico (Smer-SD) has proposed a joint meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Slovak territory near the border between Slovakia and Ukraine, to discuss gas transit though Ukraine and bilateral Slovak-Ukrainian relations, according to an open letter he shared on social media. "This meeting will create a good foundation for an open discussion about gas supplies to Slovakia and other countries via Ukraine, possible technical solutions considering the expiration of the contract between the relevant Ukrainian and Russian companies on December 31, 2024, the impact of halting gas transit through Ukraine on the declining competitiveness of the European economy, and the development of bilateral Slovak-Ukrainian relations," explained the premier. In the open letter, Fico reiterated that the decision to halt gas transit through Ukraine to Slovakia and other customers is causing extensive damage to Ukraine, Slovakia, and the European Union (EU). "My perspective isn't unique within Europe. Even if I were to not consider it entirely decisive that Slovakia will lose around €500 million annually due to the stoppage of gas transit, the most important factor is the impact of your decision on the competitiveness of the EU, an organisation in which you are seeking membership," Fico stated. "The Slovak Republic has demonstrated and continues to demonstrate a great deal of solidarity with your people living in Ukraine or in Slovakia. Good results are also coming from the joint discussions between the governments of Slovakia and Ukraine. I would like to build on the constructive and mutually respectful dialogue with the Premier of Ukraine, Denys Shmyhal. Therefore, allow me, as the highest representative of the Slovak executive, to invite you to a meeting, preferably as soon as possible, fully understanding the importance of your work agenda," Fico stated in the letter. He also stated that he has no intention of responding to Zelensky's statements from Sunday (January 12), as he doesn't wish to escalate the tension further. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticised Slovak Premier Robert Fico on social media Sunday evening in connection with his recent visit to Moscow. "It was an obvious mistake for Fico to believe that his shadow dealings with Moscow would work indefinitely," Zelenskyy remarked. According to him, Kyiv wanted to help Slovakia even before the gas transit through Ukraine was halted, but Fico "arrogantly rejected" this offer, despite warnings from many European politicians. lin/mcs