Blanar Holds Talks on Security, Ukraine, and UN Candidacy at Antalya Forum

Bratislava/Antalya, April 13 (TASR) - Foreign and European Affairs Minister Juraj Blanar (Smer-SD) held a series of meetings on April 11–12 at the diplomatic forum in Antalya, Turkey, TASR has learnt from ministry's communications department. The meeting was requested by British Foreign Affairs State Secretary Stephen Doughty. The discussion focused on strengthening Europe’s security and confirming Slovak Premier Robert Fico’s visit to the United Kingdom in April. Blanar focused primarily on peace talks between Ukraine and Russia during a bilateral meeting with his Ukrainian counterpart Andriy Sybiha, stressing that Slovakia believes the conflict has no military solution and fully supports the efforts of the new US administration. "Tt's essential to return to peace negotiations and diplomatic solutions in accordance with the UN Charter and international law," the Slovak minister stated. Blanar noted that halting gas transit through Ukrainian territory is economically damaging not only for Slovakia and the entire European Union, but also for Ukraine itself. He called on his Ukrainian counterpart to actively pursue negotiations to resume gas transit, as had been previously agreed at the government level. The Slovak minister also met with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and held bilateral talks with Turkish Environment Minister Murat Kurum, during which they highlighted the strengthening of relations between Slovakia and Turkey through the signing of the agreement on a strategic partnership during Fico's visit in January. Blanar also took the opportunity at the forum to seek support for Slovakia’s candidacies. "This year, I met with my counterparts from countries geographically distant from us, including Bangladesh and Uganda, and asked for their support for our candidacy, as Slovakia is applying for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the years 2028-2029 for the second time," he explained. The minister described the forum, which this year welcomed 6,000 participants, including twenty heads of state, 60 foreign ministers, and other representatives from 150 countries, as an excellent platform for exchanging views and information on foreign policy with partners from across the globe. lin