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Author : A. Udal'tsov
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the Republic of Slovakia
SINCE FULL-SCALE INTERSTATE RELATIONS were es-
tablished between Russia and Slovakia in 1993, they have not been
clouded by confrontational approaches and have on the whole
been developing dynamically. To a very large degree, this is due
to a number of factors that have objectively contributed and I
hope will continue to contribute to the further rapprochement
between our countries and our people. These include the prox-
imity of languages and culture, a similar mentality, a shared pro-
duction, transport and energy infrastructure that evolved in
previous decades, and finally, the lack of any serious irritants in the recent history of bi-
lateral relations, which would impede the movement forward.
Cooperation with Bratislava on foreign policy matters is generally developing in a con-
structive spirit. On a number of current international issues, Russia and Slovakia have iden-
tical or close positions.
Slovak Foreign Minister Miroslav Lajcak stressed that in the 21st century, Slovakia would
like to see Russia as a good and attractive partner, friend and even ally.
Russia and Slovakia are also interested in cooperation in such sectors as chemistry, machine
manufacturing, agriculture, the food industry, and tourism. Experts believe these sectors
have a significant potential, the realization of which requires dedicated joint efforts.
In the realm of military and military-technical cooperation, Slovakia has carried out what
is probably the only project in Central Europe involving the modernization of the Slovak
Air Force's 12 MiG-29 fighters with the participation of Russian corporations as well as
British and U.S. firms. There is still one outstanding problem, namely the regulation of li-
censed production of Soviet and Russian arms and military equipment in Slovakia. But
even here, the sides are working to find a solution in the spirit of constructive coopera-
tion.
Our cooperation with Slovakia is successful, pragmatic and mutually beneficial, and has
good prospects. The foundation created by our bilateral ties gives hope that even after
next year's parliamentary elections and the formation of a new government in Slovakia,
bilateral relations will continue to develop. That responds to the long-term interests of
our states.
Russia and Slovakia: Forming a New Partnership