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Kubis Cites Major Progress in Slovakia's Relationships in NATO and EU

Slovak Foreign Minister Jan Kubis delivered the annual Czech and Slovak Freedom Lecture in Washington, DC on Nov. 21, 2008. His speech was co-sponsored by FOS, AFoCR and the Slovak and Czech Embassies. It was well attended by FOS and AFoCR members, US government and Washington diplomatic corps representatives as well as representatives of Washington think tanks, the business community and non-governmental organizations. After reminding the audience of recent Slovak history and its emergence "on an independent path of continuing transformation to an open democratic society and socially-oriented market economy", Minister Kubis stated: "Slovakia and the USA enjoy excellent bilateral relations." He thanked FOS for its efforts to help achieve this, particularly in the area of the visa waiver program.

Minister Kubis, Mike Van Dusen, Deputy Director of the Woodrow Wilson Center, and Amb. Ted Russell vew the bust of Alexander Dubcek in the Center's lobby.

He then cited many examples of a Slovakia that now "shares its democratic experience and wealth in the spirit of solidarity with others". He mentioned Slovak engagement in the Western Balkans since 1999 in order to support democratic institutions, regional development and integration into the EU and NATO. They have continued to carry out activities to support democratic and economic transformation in Ukraine, Belarus, Cuba, Croatia, Serbia and others.

He spoke proudly of the fact that Slovakia has assumed all the obligations of membership in the EU and NATO. Two important proofs of this are the accession to the Euro zone and the open borders with the Schengen member states. Minister Kubis was optimistic that the positive economic growth of Slovakia would continue despite the world economic crisis. He was sure that adoption of the Euro would improve Slovak competitiveness and make it more attractive for foreign investors. He also said that using the Euro "makes Slovak citizens feel truly European, equal with others as members of this exclusive club of the most developed European nations".

Minister Kubis was frank in his discussion of the challenges to Slovak political, economic and society development. For many citizens the transition to democracy and a market economy has been difficult; they feel a lack of security. They resent the corruption, social inequality and unfulfilled promises that have too often occurred. Greater migration has sometimes led to greater intolerance. There is also the problem of "aggressive nationalism", e.g., historic revisionism, neo-fascism, anti-semitism. But he stated that the government has a policy of "zero tolerance" toward these movements and "confirms it in practice".

His final remarks dwelt on the relationship that he hoped would develop during the upcoming Obama administration. He wanted to see "genuine partnership ?intensive dialogue, departure from unilateralism and a restoration of the US high moral ground". He agreed that the US should insist that the EU assume greater responsibility for solving common problems.

FOS Chairman Joseph Senko and Amb. Ted Russell present the speaker with the new Friends of Slovakia Medal of Honor designed by a leading Washington sculptor and featuring the bust of General Rastislav Stefanik and an American eagle.

He stressed the importance of NATO and the alliance with the US as "the only real security guarantee for Slovakia". But other areas of interest for transatlantic relationships are also important: climate change, energy security and, "how to work with the new, assertive Russia".

Minister Kubis called on the US and Europe to unite and lead in building healthier global relations and economies and a better life with increased equality and dignity for the world's citizens.