Сurrent issues of Russian-Slovak cooperation in trade, investment, energy, transport infrastructure, culture and education were discussed.
Excerpts from the transcript:
Meeting with Prime Minister of Slovakia Peter Pellegrini
Meeting with Prime Minister of Slovakia Peter Pellegrini
Meeting with Prime Minister of Slovakia Peter Pellegrini
Mikhail Mishustin: Mr Pellegrini, I would like to thank you for your congratulations on my appointment as Prime Minister.
It is very important for us that despite the very busy pre-election period in Slovakia you managed to find the time to come to Moscow and discuss the most pressing issues of Russian-Slovak cooperation.
In general, our relations are developing well. We welcome the principled intention of your Government to continue strengthening ties with Russia, notwithstanding the complex political situation in Europe. Last June you visited Russia and met with President of Russia Vladimir Putin. I would like to take this opportunity to pass along his greetings and best wishes to you. There were talks between the heads of government of Russia and Slovakia. You also addressed a meeting at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum.
I want to emphasise that all members of the Russian Government are determined to continue the constructive dialogue with our Slovak partners on the issues of our bilateral agenda.
Peter Pellegrini (via interpreter): Mr Prime Minister, I am very glad to make this visit several months after I had an opportunity to be here and meet with the former Prime Minister and President Putin. Today’s visit is a clear signal that Slovakia will continue our constructive, promising and advancing relations. We want to keep up the favourable relations that were established in recent years, and we are also convinced that the same will happen in the years to come. Our economic cooperation is becoming more and more favourable, and I would be very glad if we can carry that momentum forward.
Slovakia is a legitimate part of the European Union and understands the specific difficulties in promoting relations between the European Union and the Russian Federation. However, Slovakia has its own opinion and view on its relations with the Russian Federation and always presents them openly. Dialogue and mutual cooperation is the only way to develop relations in the future. Slovakia points out that creating barriers and abusing sanctions is not an option. The parties should always sit down at the negotiating table.
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