The Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs Maria Tripodi on a mission to the Slovak Republic

The Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs Maria Tripodi on a mission to the Slovak Republic

The Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs Maria Tripodi carried out a mission to the Slovak Republic on 7 and 8 November.

The mission to Slovakia of the Undersecretary for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Maria Tripodi, carried out on 7-8 November, ended today. Upon his arrival at Bratislava, in the course of a event hosted by the Italian Ambassador Catherine Flumiani, the Undersecretary met some representatives of the Country System in Slovakia, congratulating thecommitment of Italian companies, researchers and teachers in the local reality and recognizing their important contribution in consolidating bilateral relations. The program continued with the visit of the Undersecretary to Malacky-Kuchyna air base, where the Task Group Italian defense system. Tripodi was welcomed by the commander of the contingent, Donato Calcagni and, after the flag-raising ceremony, he greeted and thanked the staff for their dedication in carrying out the service and for the crucial role played in defending the eastern flank of theAtlantic Alliance. The Undersecretary then signed the Task Group's Roll of Honour. He was also present at the ceremony the Deputy Chief of the General Staff of Slovakia, Lubomir Svoboda, who reiterated his strong appreciation for the contribution of the Italian contingent to the country's security. Tripodi then met with Undersecretary of Economy Vladimir Simoniak.

On the agenda close economic and energy cooperation, with particular attention to green technologies and alternative energy sources. Subsequently, he had a meeting with the Undersecretary for Foreign and European Affairs Rastislav Chovanec, with whom the excellent bilateral relations were explored, further consolidated by cooperation in the security sector and by intense trade and investment relations. In both meetings, potential collaborations for the reconstruction of Ukraine, in the sector of innovation and research, cultural collaboration, including the promotion of the Italian language, as well as Rome's candidacy to host EXPO2030. For both interlocutors, it was the first international meeting since the establishment of the new Slovakian government led by Robert Fico.

The Undersecretary met at the headquarters of Slovak Parliament, the President of the Foreign Affairs Commission Marian Kery and the Vice President Tomas Valasek, for an exchange of views on the main issues of international current affairs. The contribution that political dialogue at parliamentary level can ensure to the further consolidation of bilateral relations was discussed together with the interlocutors.