Ukraine and Slovakia sign four documents following joint intergovernmental consultations
On 7 October, the governments of Ukraine and Slovakia held intergovernmental consultations. Following the consultations, four documents were signed in the economic, social and defence sectors. This was announced by Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal.
Thus, the governments of the two countries signed a joint declaration, which sets out four key vectors of cooperation. These include strengthening political dialogue and building good neighbourly relations, as well as supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The document also confirms progress in the implementation of three key projects: reconstruction of the interconnector, direct railway connection and modernisation of border infrastructure.
The governments of Ukraine and Slovakia will develop and strengthen cooperation in the areas of infrastructure and logistics. This was announced by Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal during a joint press conference with Prime Minister of Slovakia Robert Fico following joint intergovernmental consultations on 7 October.
“We have made significant progress in the modernisation of the Uzhhorod – Vyšné Nemecké border crossing point. It has already been partially renovated. New equipment has been installed and traffic lanes have been expanded. Now the daily throughput capacity of this checkpoint has increased by a thousand vehicles,” the Head of Ukrainian Government noted.
He also reminded that during previous meetings this year, Ukraine and Slovakia had agreed to launch a direct passenger railway connection between Kyiv and Košice.
“We continue to work on the modernisation of the existing infrastructure and certification of rolling stock,” Denys Shmyhal informed about the implementation of the project.
In addition, according to the Prime Minister of Ukraine, there are plans to launch an alternative Kyiv-Bratislava railway connection (with an extension to Vienna) with a train change at Chop station in the near future.
According to the Head of Ukrainian Government, an important point of the joint declaration is the development of cooperation in political, economic, energy, defence, recovery, humanitarian, educational, scientific, medical and other spheres.
Defence and security was an important item on the agenda of the joint consultations between the governments of Ukraine and the Slovak Republic. This was stated by Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal during a joint press conference with Prime Minister of Slovakia Robert Fico.
The Head of Ukrainian Government noted the positive dynamics of cooperation in this area. According to him, a Ukrainian company has recently signed an agreement with a European partner, whose production facilities are located in Slovakia, to increase the production of shells.
“We are looking forward to new defence contracts at the enterprise level,” said Denys Shmyhal.
The Prime Minister stressed that Ukraine was expecting to launch a joint production of engineering equipment to be located in Ukraine.
In particular, it is about the production of Bozena demining machines.
Denys Shmyhal also noted that Ukraine was grateful for Slovakia’s willingness to provide available engineering and demining equipment.
“This will accelerate the clearing of Ukrainian land from russian mine contamination, save thousands of lives and contribute to economic recovery,” the Prime Minister of Ukraine stressed.
The second document signed is the Protocol on readmission, which improves the algorithm for returning citizens of Slovakia and Ukraine to their countries of origin.
In addition, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the education ministries of Ukraine and Slovakia following the consultations.
“This is a roadmap for cooperation. It provides for the support of Ukrainian students and teachers in Slovakia, direct cooperation between educational institutions, and cooperation in the field of innovation,” said Denys Shmyhal.
According to the Prime Minister of Ukraine, a Memorandum of Cooperation has also been signed between the agriculture ministries of the two countries.
“We look forward to Slovakia’s European integration support in the agricultural cluster. In particular, in bringing our legal framework in line with European standards,” Denys Shmyhal commented on cooperation in this area.