Slovakia and Czech Republic Ink Deal on Patrolling Airspace

Brussels/Bratislava, February 15 (TASR-correspondent) – The Slovak and Czech defence ministers, Peter Gajdos and Martin Stropnicky, respectively, meeting at NATO headquarters in Brussels on Wednesday, inked an agreement between their two countries on the mutual protection of their airspace, TASR learnt on the same day.

The signing of the agreement, which now awaits ratification by the countries’ Parliaments, took place during a meeting of the defence ministers of NATO-member countries.

Gajdos expressed pleasure at the signing of the deal, noting that he’s looking forward to its implementation. “This is a sign of our mutual and above-standard collaboration. I hope that it works and that we’ll also help each other in this way,” said Gajdos.

When asked how many fighter aircraft Slovakia has available, Gajdos said that Slovakia is making good on its commitments arising from NATO membership thanks to its involvement within the NATINAC network and that Slovakia has enough aircraft capabilities to meet its NATO obligations. “As for technicalities, they’re addressed in a way that makes it possible to deliver on the agreement in full,” he said.

Stropnicky said that this agreement exemplifies the ability of the two countries to reach a deal rapidly and efficiently. The agreement is expected to come into effect midway into this year after it’s signed by the heads of state of the two countries.

Meanwhile, Gajdos has a similar framework agreement ready involving Hungary and Poland.