Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen met his Slovak counterpart Zuzana Čaputová in Bratislava on Tuesday. Among other things, further aid to Ukraine, which was attacked by Russia, was discussed. According to Van der Bellen, Russian President Vladimir Putin is waging a “colonial war against Ukraine” and talking about “squabbling”. “We are obliged to help.” Čaputová spoke of defending values as Ukraine’s independence had come under attack.
The Russian attack “tested many things,” the president said. Čaputová would not comment directly on whether the West is already “at war with Russia,” as Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock recently put it: “We are on the side of aid when the civilian population will be threatened.”
Van der Bellen spoke of “squabbles” in this context. Ukraine was attacked for “purely ideological reasons”, the Federal President said. The motto was something like “Surrender or we’ll kill you,” he formulated. Therefore, Ukraine must be helped in its defense.
“Let’s Not Divide”
“Especially now, in view of the terrible war in Ukraine and its economic consequences here in Central Europe, it is especially important to deal closely with European partners,” emphasizes Van der Bellen. It is important “that we stand together in these challenging times, not allow ourselves to be divided, speak with one voice.”
Slovakia important partner
Slovakia is an important partner in this and also the direct geographical link between Austria and Ukraine: “We have exchanged detailed information about the joint aid measures and the sanctions against Russia. European solidarity has proven to work, especially in times of threat of war.”
Slovakia and Austria have close economic, cultural and human ties, the Federal President reminded. “More than 45,000 Slovaks live in Austria, mainly in the border area and in Vienna,” said the Federal President. “Nearly 40,000 more commute to Austria every day – often for challenging work in the nursing and health sector. They all make an important social and economic contribution in Austria.” Work is being done to “bring the two countries even closer together”.
Van der Bellen on the climate crisis: “Time is of the essence”
There was also agreement on the themes of energy and the climate crisis, Van der Bellen and Čaputová emphasized unanimously. The Federal President formulated: “We must not lose sight of our efforts against climate catastrophe – our great, joint responsibility and task. Time is running out. The climate crisis is a race against time.”
Čaputová: “Can still learn from Austria”
In the future, Austria and Slovakia would also cooperate more closely on energy issues, Čaputová said. With the Federal President comes “the wisdom and experience for a good professional exchange,” the 49-year-old president told the 30-year-old colleague. Since Slovakia is currently still heavily dependent on Russian gas, there is great interest in entering into deeper talks with Austria on the subject of energy diversification. After all, Austria is a pioneer here. “Water, wind and sun, we can learn from that,” said the Slovak head of state.
With regard to the migration issue and the recent discussions on the Schengen area, both Heads of State believed that a solution had to be found at European level that in the future there would be no more border controls within the Schengen area.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
