Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently held a phone conversation with Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico, where they discussed the prospect of a personal meeting in the near future.
Zelensky emphasized the importance of fostering strong relations between their nations, noting, “It is crucial to hear that Slovakia supports Ukraine’s membership in the European Union and is willing to share its accession experience.” He extended an invitation to Fico to visit Kyiv and expressed gratitude for Fico’s invitation to Bratislava.
The leaders also touched on the possibility of meeting soon, with Zelensky stating, “Our teams will work on the schedule.”
Fico acknowledged that while there may be differing views on certain issues, both sides are committed to establishing good and friendly relations. He reiterated Slovakia’s support for Ukraine’s EU membership, expressing a desire for Ukraine to remain stable and democratic.
The two leaders agreed to meet during the upcoming European Political Community summit scheduled for May 4 in Yerevan.
It is worth noting that prior reports indicated Fico’s intention to continue an anti-European rhetoric following the electoral defeat of his ally, former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. However, analysts suggest that implementing such a stance may be challenging for Fico, given Slovakia’s significant reliance on EU support and the comparatively weaker position of his government.
Ukrainian President Zelensky and Slovak Prime Minister Fico discussed strengthening bilateral ties and EU membership for Ukraine during a recent phone call. They plan to meet at an upcoming summit, despite previous concerns about Fico's political stance.