https://arab.news/rn3dj
RIYADH: The Slovakian ambassador to Saudi Arabia hosted a special reception to celebrate his country’s national day.
Rudolf Michalka told Arab News that Nov. 17 marked the day Slovakia regained its freedom and began building a democratic system.
“This is the day when the people of Slovakia decided to take power into their hands and fight for freedom,” he added.
Despite the dissolution of the former Czechoslovakia, Slovakia and the Czech Republic have remained close partners.
Czechoslovakia was not a sovereign country and belonged to the Eastern Bloc, explained Michalka, but the people decided that freedom was more important. They took to the streets, gathering peacefully in the cold for weeks as part of what became known as the Velvet Revolution.
Michalka said that, for him, Slovakia represented an island of freedom and a free spirit that he treasured.
He added he was happy to host his Saudi friends as part of the celebrations: “This is what Nov. 17 means to me — a united Europe, celebrating its diversity, promoting peace and stability not only in the region but across the world, and fostering tolerance, cooperation, fairness, and honesty.”
Slovakia is now a member of NATO and the EU, has adopted the euro as its currency and joined the Schengen area.
The Slovak Embassy opened in the Kingdom two years ago and there has been yearly growth in diplomatic relations, said Michalka, with more opportunities on the horizon.
“The fact that we have doubled our mutual business between the two countries is worth mentioning. The numbers continue to grow,” he said, adding that the embassy will next week welcome a delegation from the Federation of Saudi Chambers in Bratislava, along with over 60 Saudi businessmen.
“This is a great achievement for us, and I believe that increasing business between our countries will make our relationship even stronger,” he told Arab News.
The ambassador also announced the establishment of the first Saudi-Slovak Business Council and said a Slovak consulate had opened in the Eastern Province this month.
“For many Slovak citizens, Saudi Arabia has become a second home. Slovaks working for successful companies in Riyadh, Jeddah or Kharj, especially in the medical field, along with the Czech community, have found a friendly, safe, and inspiring environment,” he said. “I am grateful to Saudi Arabia for its hospitality to our compatriots.”