Slovakia will make its own decisions and remain in NATO: Pres.-elect
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Peter Pelligrini speaks after winning the presidential elections regarding Slovakia's foreign policy and ties with NATO.
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Presidential candidate Peter Pellegrini, center, addresses supporters at his headquarters after a presidential runoff in Bratislava, Slovakia, Sunday, April 7, 2024. (AP)
Speaking on Slovak broadcaster RTVS, President-elect Peter Pellegrini confirmed that Slovakia's foreign policy toward the European Union and NATO will not change but would will be more independent in decision-making and "look in all directions."
"I can guarantee all Slovak citizens that the republic is firmly rooted in the European Union and NATO. Nobody can change the course of our foreign policy, but I confirm that in these organizations we should act more independently, our voice needs to be heard", he said.
He explained, "We should speak out against in the event any decisions negatively impact Slovakia, our economy or people. Our orientation toward the European Union and NATO is clear, but on the other hand, we should look in all directions".
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This comes after Pellegrini won the country's presidential election Saturday against pro-Western diplomat Ivan Korcok.
Opposition-backed Korcok conceded defeat as nearly complete results showed he had received 47% of the vote against former prime minister Pellegrini's 53%.
"It is a huge satisfaction," Pellegrini said in Bratislava, vowing "to ensure that Slovakia remains on the side of peace and not on the side of war."
Ahead of the run-off, Pellegrini had said he advocated peace talks with Russia, unlike Korcok who argued he did not believe Ukraine should give up territory to achieve peace.
Earlier Saturday Pellegrini had argued that the election was "not about the future direction of foreign policy in Slovakia."
He had said whatever the outcome, "we will continue to be a strong member of the European Union and NATO."
