AUSTRIA, October 13 - On 14 October 2022, Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg welcomed his new Slovakian counterpart, Rastislav Káčer, for an inaugural visit to Vienna. The main focus of the conversation was their common response to the Russian war of aggression and to the resulting energy crisis, as well as the European integration of the Western Balkan states.

During their first bilateral meeting, the two foreign ministers emphasised the excellent relations between the two countries and stressed their intention to further develop cooperation also in regional cooperation formats, such as the Central-5 format or the Slavkov 3 format, for which Slovakia currently holds the presidency. In many ways, both countries face the same challenges, so it makes sense to tackle them together.

Austria and Slovakia are closely intertwined, in every sense – politically, economically, societally, and culturally. We share this common Central European space, and we are shaping it together. That makes coordination and collaboration vital in every sphere of life,

said Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg during the subsequent press conference.

At the moment, the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine and its effects are the areas where cooperation between Austria and Slovakia is vital. This applies especially to the energy crisis resulting from the Russian aggression and the corresponding high level of inflation. Both countries have also actively supported Ukraine and Ukrainian refugees since the start of the war. However, they must continue to present a united front as part of the European Union, working towards a fast, peaceful resolution of the conflict.

From our perspective it is quite clear that the EU’s unity is essential. We urgently demand that Russia put an end to the human suffering, withdraw all of its troops, and create circumstances that allow for meaningful negotiations,

said Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg, highlighting the need for European solidarity and peaceful conflict resolution.

The foreign ministers also discussed how the Western Balkan countries could join the EU as quickly as possible – which would also create more stability in the region. Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg explicitly welcomed the European Commission’s recommendation that Bosnia and Herzegovina be granted candidate status.