Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic, Miroslav Wlachovský, expressed his support for Belarus’ democratic forces and the people who continue to fight for democratic changes. During the meeting, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya raised the issue of political prisoners and the need for their immediate release. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya emphasized that the situation is critical and requires an intervention by international organizations.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and the Minister discussed the situation with the Wagner mercenaries, provocations of the Lukashenka regime, as well as the UN General Assembly agenda. She also urged Slovakia to raise the issue of Belarus and organize a separate discussion on the situation in the country. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya asked the Minister to include representatives of democratic Belarus in the work of the Bucharest Nine and use that platform for discussions on Belarus.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya informed the Minister that the democratic forces have adopted a declaration on Belarusians’ European choice, making EU membership a strategic priority for Belarus. She asked the Minister to support Belarusians in these aspirations. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya talked about the project of a new Belarusian passport. Work is currently underway to create samples, and since recognition is a matter of national jurisdiction, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya asked Slovakia to consider recognizing it.
Mr. Wlachovský and Ms. Tsikhanouskaya also discussed possible assistance from Slovakia to Belarusian volunteer fighters in Ukraine, as well as veterans in need of rehabilitation.
“Since 2020, Slovakia has consistently supported our international work, joining sanctions against the Lukashenka regime, providing scholarships to Belarusian students and scientists, and, crucially, continuing to issue a large number of visas. These relations are truly important to us,” Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya said after the meeting.
