Blanar: Slovakia and Czech Republic Share Very Close Ties

Bratislava, March 18 (TASR) - The shared past as well as continuing economic, language and cultural closeness between Slovakia and the Czech Republic form the basis for a longstanding and close partnership between Bratislava and Prague, Foreign and European Affairs Minister Juraj Blanar (Smer-SD) declared on the occasion of appointing new Slovak Ambassador to the Czech Republic Martin Muransky on Tuesday. "We find common ground with the Czech Republic on the absolute majority of issues, which is why Slovakia continues to be interested in a quality cooperation to the benefit of inhabitants of both countries," underlined Blanar. In this context, Blanar pointed out that the Slovak diplomacy is interested in opening new honorary consulates in Ostrava and Pardubice. The minister pointed out that unique and close ties between the two nations also stem from familial connections between Slovak and Czech citizens and their joint businesses. "Currently about 242,000 Slovak nationals either work or study in the Czech Republic, making up the largest local ethnic community," said Blanar. mf