Fico says Slovakia is “cool” towards Ukraine's NATO membership

Shmyhal announced the meeting on his Telegram channel.

“We are going to focus on discussing the roadmap - a plan of joint activities that was signed during our first meeting. This includes cooperation in infrastructure projects, the economy, and energy security,” the head of the Ukrainian government said.

According to him, the issues to be discussed during the meeting include support for the peace plan of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Bilateral documents between Ukraine and Slovakia are also expected to be signed as a continuation of Ukraine's “new pragmatism” policy.

According to Aktuality, Fico has already arrived in Ukraine. Intergovernmental consultations with Shmyhal are currently underway.

The talks are taking place at the Verkhovyna Resort hotel near Uzhhorod, almost six months after the first consultations in April in Michalovce.

The main item on the agenda is the implementation of the Roadmap for Bilateral Cooperation signed during the previous meeting. 

In addition, the leaders will discuss support for Ukraine's European integration, cooperation in the defense industry, demining, humanitarian aid, and the reconstruction of Ukraine.

Fico noted that Slovakia supports Ukraine's accession to the EU by 100%, but is “cool” toward NATO membership.

“I am openly saying that we are cold on the issue of Ukraine's membership in NATO, but we support you 100% in the EU. Your membership will be important and valuable for us,” he said.

He stated that Slovakia actively supports granting Ukraine EU membership status.

The Slovak Prime Minister concluded that there will be countries in the EU that will wish for Ukraine's accession process to be slower, but they will not be among them. He added that much depends on Ukraine and its reforms, but they will not put any obstacles in Ukraine's way.

According to Shmyhal, Ukraine and Slovakia have already made progress in implementing the Roadmap for Joint Action.

“Some of the steps have been fully implemented, some are in the final stages. We have also made good progress in the implementation of energy and infrastructure projects,” he said.

In addition, the Slovak government recently approved the Framework Program for Participation in Ukraine's Recovery, which includes joint projects in energy, transport, and infrastructure that will contribute to the development of border regions.

“We have also agreed to finalize eight bilateral documents, including joint control at border crossing points. We hope to sign them by the end of this year,” the Prime Minister added.

• Earlier, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said that he would oppose Ukraine's accession to NATO as long as he is in office.