I am very pleased to visit the Slovak Republic at this critical time.

I have held constructive bilateral consultations with a number of top Slovak Government officials, including His Excellency, President Andrej Kiska, His Excellency, Prime Minister, Robert Fico and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, His Excellency Miroslav Lajcák.I will also meet Speaker of the National Council, Peter Pellegrini right after this press conference.

During my encounters with Slovak leaders, we had valuable talks on the issues of sustainable development, climate change, increased movement of migrants and refugees towards Europe, UN peacekeeping operations, conflict prevention and counter-terrorism.

I thanked the Slovak Republic for its generous contribution to UN efforts in international peace and security.

I am particularly grateful for the announcement just made by the Foreign Minister about your contribution of 600,000 euros to the Trust Fund of the United Nations for Preventive Diplomacy, Peace Building and Security Sector Reform. This very generous show of support will facilitate the lifesaving work of the United Nations.

In our talks, I have urged leaders to fully engage in helping to realize the new Sustainable Development Goals and I have also asked that they push for progress at the Paris Climate Change Conference.

I am encouraged by the strong commitment of the European Union leaders. I strongly urge all Member States to redouble their efforts at the negotiations currently going on right now.

In all of my discussions, I stressed the need for respect for human life, dignity and rights with regard to those fleeing war, violence and persecution. I called for an open dialogue with affected communities to avoid polarization of public opinion on the issue of migration. Leaders can make a difference by showing courage and compassion.

I recalled that together with the Czech Republic at the time, the Slovak Republic was one of the founding Members of the United Nations – and it has been one of our most active partners on critical issues. I especially appreciate his Excellency Mr. Miroslav Lajcak, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister for his leadership as Co-Chair of the UN Group of Friends of Security Sector Reform.

I expressed my gratitude to the country’s contribution of troops to UN Peacekeeping Operations, with the largest presence in the mission in Cyprus.

I also acknowledged the Slovak Republic’s engagement in the economic and social agenda of the United Nations. Last year, it survived one of the toughest jobs – chairing the UN General Assembly’s Budget Committee, known as Fifth Committee, with Ambassador Frantisek Ruzicka.

I had the honour to visit Comenius University this morning, where I met with a number of students. I was deeply impressed by their sense of responsibility on global issues. I count on the Slovak Republic to advance the spirit of global citizenship for the sake of our common future.

Thank you.