H.E. Mr. Igor Pokojný:

NATO is very important to us. We are a small nation. We have had a violent experience and we are very sensitive. The ambassadors of Poland or Romania also appeared before the committee. I think they also mentioned they look with some discomfort to the history of their relationship with the former Soviet Union. In this regard NATO is our main guarantee of security. I am talking about Slovakia now. We were really struggling to get into NATO as soon as possible and we are quite happy that we are there. We are a small landlocked country neighbouring Ukraine with Russia not so far away. We would be unable to defend ourselves by our own means. For us, NATO membership is very important. It is our crucial guarantee of security.

I mentioned the deployment of the enhanced NATO forces into Slovakia - the 2,100 NATO soldiers. The deployment of this NATO unit into Slovakia is not only important for Slovakia's defence, but it is important as a signal to other countries, especially to Russia, that Slovakia is not alone just as other NATO countries are not alone. If there is any aggression towards Slovakia, it will be aggression towards all of NATO. It is very important to us to have this feeling of security and that we are not alone.

Our feelings are even stronger regarding our EU membership. I have often compared Ireland to Slovakia. We are two small countries, both with open economies. We struggled for our independence. We have spent approximately 100 years as independent countries. There are many similarities. It is good to be in good company with friends who can help us or we can help them. Being an EU member is very important to us and it has helped us. Slovakia improved in economic and social aspects. It was a very good step for Slovakia to enter the EU.