1. The 2nd Korea-Slovakia Policy Consultation was held at the Foreign Ministry on February 4, with
Deputy Foreign Minister Lee Yong-joon and Director-General for Political Affairs Igor Slobodnik of the
Slovak Foreign Ministry leading their respective delegations.
2. In the meeting, the two sides had an in-depth discussion on ways to vitalize high-level officials’
exchange as well as to promote not only trade and investment but also substantive cooperation
between the two countries in the economic and trade fields. Also, overall views were exchanged
regarding regional issues, including the current situation of the Korean peninsula, Northeast Asia,
the EU, Afghanistan, and the Middle East.
3. The Korean side noted with satisfaction the development of Korea-Slovakia relations into an
economic partnership over a short period of time after the establishment of diplomatic relations
in 1993, and asked for the Slovak government’s continued interest in and support for some 70
Korean firms operating in the country. Following an explanation on Korea’s competency in nuclear-
plant construction that has won world recognition for its economic efficiency, safety and short
construction period, the Korean delegation proposed that the two countries work together in the field.
4. Based on the shared perception of the importance of cultural and people-to-people exchanges
for enhanced mutual understanding, the two sides agreed to further expand cooperation in culture,
education and tourism by drawing upon the Korea-Slovakia Agreement on Cooperation in the Fields
of Culture, Education and Tourism, sealed in 2007. In addition, views were exchanged as to how
Korean studies can be promoted in Slovakia.
5. The Korea-Slovakia delegations agreed to work closely together toward an early signing and
effectuation of the Korea-EU FTA and the Korea-EU Basic Framework for Trade and Cooperation
as well as on international stages like the UN and OECD.
Spokesperson and Deputy Minister for Public Relations of MOFAT
* unofficial translation