Secretary Majer: USA appreciates Slovakia's very clear position on Russia's aggression against Ukraine

Over the past days, State Secretary of the SVK Ministry of Defence Marian Majer's official visit to the United States of America has comprised several meetings in Washington DC, including talks with representatives of the U.S. defence industries, the U.S. Department of State and non-governmental agencies (NGOs). Central themes included a further deepening of SVK-U.S. bilateral cooperation, the war in Ukraine, and the current trans-Atlantic processes.

Sharing his thoughts from his working trip to the United States, Marian Majer said: “I am very pleased that Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs Ms Jessica Lewis, leaders of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), and experts of the Heritage Foundation think tank appreciate Slovakiaʼs very clear position on Russiaʼs aggression against Ukraine and value Slovakiaʼs continued support for Ukraine so far. At the same time, they have a keen interest in SVK public opinion on Russiaʼs occupation of Ukraine, the countryʼs relationship with Russia and its NATO membership.” He made clear that building resilience against Russia's hybrid activities is viewed as existentially important by both sides.

According to Mr Majer, during his meeting with managers of Lockheed Martin Corporation, the manufacturer of Slovakia's next generation of new-build F-16 fighter jets, the U.S. side confirmed that the production and delivery of the aircraft should go ahead according to the adjusted delivery schedule as previously agreed, meaning that the delivery of the first batch of F-16s to Slovakia is due in the second quarter of 2024. In addition, the U.S. representatives declared their interest in supporting the continuing modernisation of the Slovak Armed Forces via a special U.S. Government funding programme. “This type of support will help us build the missing defence capabilities in line with NATO plans to ensure the collective defence of Allies,” Mr Majer concluded.

During the visit to the USA, State Secretary Marian Majer will also be attending the first meeting of the U.S.-SVK High Level Defense Group (HLDG) to discuss the depth and breadth of Slovakia's defence cooperation with the United States, including the targets for the coming period.