The partners confirmed their interest in expanding political dialogue based on their shared membership in the European Union and NATO, with the aim of seeking opportunities for further cooperation following this year’s official visit of Slovak Foreign and European Affairs Minister Juraj Blanár to Portugal.

“Slovak-Portuguese relations offer great potential for developing economic cooperation in the automotive industry, technological innovation, renewable energy sources, as well as in tourism and the digitalization of public administration,” said Mr. Eštok. Last year, mutual trade reached €816 million.

A key topic of discussion was cooperation at the European level, where one of the most important current priorities is the planned revision of the EU’s Multiannual Financial Framework for 2028–2034, particularly in the context of reforming and modernizing cohesion policy and the Common Agricultural Policy.

“It is necessary to find a sensitive balance between preserving the benefits of these traditional policies while also securing resources for new challenges such as illegal migration, defense, and infrastructure,” emphasized the Slovak State Secretary, who also discussed energy security and EU enlargement with his Portuguese counterpart, with a focus on the Western Balkans and Eastern Partnership countries.

The Slovak Republic also reiterated its appreciation of Portugal’s contribution to ensuring Slovakia’s security through the military presence of Portuguese armed forces stationed at the Lešť military base as part of NATO’s battlegroup. At the end of August, the contingent increased from 26 to 130 soldiers.

“The presence of Portuguese troops on our territory as part of strengthening NATO’s eastern flank confirms our strong alliance and is a sign of Portugal’s solidarity with Slovakia and our citizens, which we deeply value,” stressed State Secretary Marek Eštok.