Slovakia and Serbia can rely on each other, and Slovakia respects Serbia’s territorial integrity and will never betray Serbia regarding Kosovo, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico stated during an official visit to Belgrade.
Fico emphasized that Slovakia recognizes Serbia’s current engagement in EU accession negotiations.
“It is up to you and your sovereign decision to choose your path, but I would like to offer Slovakia’s unique experience from the accession negotiations, which led to our EU membership in 2004. We made tragic mistakes during the process that weakened our energy security. We were often pressured into decisions we would not have made under other circumstances. We believe we can be of help by sharing these mistakes with you, and we are very willing to do so,” Fico said.
After meeting with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, Fico noted that Slovakia is offering its expertise and experience in nuclear energy production to Serbia.
“Due to the war in Ukraine, traditional supply routes have been disrupted, and new solutions are being sought. Yesterday, Slovakia approved the next steps in constructing a 1,200-megawatt nuclear reactor, which will help stabilize our energy supplies and produce energy for export,” the Slovak Prime Minister added.
The discussions also covered water management and further economic cooperation.
“I am pleased with the interest of Slovak companies in the Serbian market, particularly in the production of electric batteries. If we manage to establish a direct flight connection, I will be the first passenger on that flight, whether it’s from Belgrade to Košice or Bratislava,” Fico concluded.
At the Serbian-Slovak Business Forum held at the Palace of Serbia, attended by Vučić and Fico, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Serbian Chamber of Commerce and the Slovak Investment and Trade Development Agency.
The memorandum was signed by Marko Čadež, President of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce, and Robert Šimončič, General Director of the Slovak Investment and Trade Development Agency.