Georgian Dream Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili visited Slovakia on February 16, where she met with Juraj Blanár, Slovakia’s Minister of Foreign and European Affairs.
Following the meeting, the two ministers held a joint press conference in which Blanár announced that Slovakia’s Prime Minister, Robert Fico, will visit Tbilisi and that Slovakia proposed Georgia’s candidacy for the chairmanship of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).
The Slovakia visit followed Botchorishvili’s earlier trip to Hungary on February 9–10, where she met with Hungary’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Péter Szijjártó, and Speaker of the National Assembly, László Kövér. From February 13 to 15, Maka Botchorishvili also attended the 62nd Munich Security Conference (MSC).
Hungary under Viktor Orbán and Slovakia under Robert Fico are among the Georgian Dream’s few Western partners, with visits and high-level exchanges taking place regularly. The two countries have reportedly been the only EU members to vote against suspending visa-free travel for Georgian diplomatic passport holders under the bloc’s new legal mechanism.
Meeting with FM Juraj Blanár
On February 16, Maka Botchorishvili met with her Slovakian counterpart, Juraj Blanár.
According to the Georgian Foreign Ministry, “the parties discussed current issues in bilateral relations and prospects for deepening cooperation,” and “emphasis was placed on active dynamics of political dialogue and bilateral visits.”
The two also discussed expanding trade and economic relations and “fully leveraging the existing potential,” as well as Georgia’s European integration process, with Botchorishvili highlighting that “Slovakia’s steadfast support for Georgia’s European aspirations is particularly valuable.”
The press release also said the ministers addressed regional security challenges, including the situation in Georgia’s occupied territories. “The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Slovakia once again reaffirmed Slovakia’s support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
Press Conference
After the meeting, the two ministers held a joint press conference and spoke in their native languages.
Botchorishvili praised the bilateral relations, saying Slovakia “has always been an important partner for Georgia.” She added that the two governments “fully understand how important it is to protect the sovereignty of our nations.” She further said, “We very often hear criticism precisely because of our sovereign decisions, and in this regard, we believe that our cooperation is very important, and that protecting sovereignty is the only means available to us today to ensure peace and stability in our countries.”
In his remarks, translated from Slovak into Georgian, Slovakia’s FM Blanár said that the Speaker of Parliament as well as the Prime Minister are planning visits to Tbilisi “in the near future,” without giving a specific date.
He also praised Georgia’s economic growth, saying, “Georgia has 7% economic growth. What wouldn’t we give to have the same! Let me congratulate you.”
Blanár then said that the Slovak side “raised the issue of Georgia becoming the OSCE chairmanship country,” noting, “Georgia can make a significant contribution to security issues. Therefore, we welcome Georgia’s candidacy.”
The Slovak foreign minister then criticized what he described as the European Union’s approach to Georgia’s election processes. “There is such injustice in the European Union when the side they do not favor wins elections,” he said, adding that the bloc and its partners “speak a lot about democracy, but some are unable to respect election results. We are obliged to respect elections.”
He also said there were discussions within the EU about potential sanctions on Georgia, amid reports that the bloc may include Kulevi port in its 20th sanctions package against Russia. Blanár said Slovakia had questions but did not receive answers. “What matters most is dialogue. From Georgia’s side, I see a willingness to engage in dialogue. The European Union is founded on dialogue and respect, and Georgia should be part of this dialogue. Georgia must be treated with due respect,” Blanár said.
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