During bilateral meetings at the UN in New York, Slovak President Ivan Gašparovič met with several partners.

 The meeting with the Hungarian President was the first official one between the two Heads of State since János Áder’s appointment into office. “I see today’s meeting as a fundamental step towards improving the mutual relations between Slovakia and Hungary, which I think cannot even be bad,” said the Slovak President to his counterpart. He further stated that although there are some issues between our countries where we do not agree, “it is our task to discuss these problems and jointly seek solutions” – Ivan Gašparovič emphasised. The Heads of State also discussed the economic and social situation in our region, affected by the crisis in Europe. According to Ivan Gašparovič, we should focus on a constructive agenda such as the economy, infrastructure and cross-border cooperation. The Hungarian President noted that the crisis increases social tensions, which in turn provide a seedbed for radical voices. “The radicals like to play the so-called minority card and it is our responsibility how we will respond to such radical challenges,” he said. Both officials agreed that we should resolve our mutual problems at the bilateral level rather than in international institutions. They expressed the belief that highest-level mutual communication will facilitate a further intensification of our relations in all areas.

During a meeting with his Moldovan counterpart, Nicolae Timoftim, the Slovak President appreciated the fact that, after complex domestic political developments, Moldova succeeded in electing a President in March this year. “I am confident that the Moldovan pro-European ruling coalition can keep up the positive reform progress and the country’s EU integration efforts,” he said, adding that Slovakia supports the transformation process in Moldova, which should bring tangible benefits for its citizens. Nicolae Timofti confirmed that his country wishes to intensify cooperation with Slovakia and benefit from the experience with the EU integration process.

 In his meeting with the Albanian President Bujar Nishani, President Gašparovič noted that in the Western Balkans his country is perceived as a factor of stability. The Albanian Head of State thanked Slovakia for its support in the context of accession to the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation. Ivan Gašparovič stressed the need for developing economic and trade cooperation with Albania. He encouraged his partner saying his country should keep up the efforts to meet the EU criteria.

The meeting with the President of the Republic of Serbia, Tomislav Nikolić, was also the first personal one since Tomislav Nikolić took office. Ivan Gašparovič appreciated the friendly and above-standard relations with Serbia and pointed out that the Slovak Republic would mainly like to intensify cooperation in the economic area, in particular in the energy sector, renewable energy sources and regional development. Ivan Gašparovič thanked the Serbian Head of State for taking care of our compatriots in Vojvodina. Ivan Gašparovič said that Slovakia will continue to support the process of Serbia’s accession to the European Union. Tomislav Nikolić thanked Slovakia for its long-standing support and for its stance with regard to Kosovo’s unilateral declaration of independence.