On 11 April 2023, the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic, Rastislav Káčer, met with the U.S. Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights, Uzra Zeya, in Bratislava to discuss the state of democracy in the world and in the region.

The meeting confirmed the strategic partnership between Slovakia and the United States. The partners condemned the Russian Federation’s systematic and serious violations of human rights in Ukraine and reaffirmed their determination to continue supporting Ukraine for as long as necessary.

“Slovakia is ready to continue supporting Ukraine, to cover both its urgent military and material needs as well as its future complex reconstruction and rebuilding. Since the reconstruction of our neighbouring country will require a vast amount of resources, it is only logical and fair that the Russian Federation, as the aggressor, participates in this endeavour,” stated Minister Káčer.

The partners agreed that China represented a global security challenge requiring attention.

“It is cooperation between the United States, the European Union and like-minded democratic countries that is the key to maintaining an international order based on the rules and values we share in the transatlantic space,” stated Minister Káčer.

He added that possible arms supplies to Russia from China would have a significantly negative impact on mutual relations.

The meeting also focused on the protection of the rule of law, the fight against corruption, media freedom, human rights, including the rights of LGBTI persons, and the spread of disinformation. Minister Káčer discussed an initiative by Slovakia and other EU Member States to create a new sanction regime for sanctioning serious corruption cases around the world, similar to the so-called Magnitsky Act in the US.