President Moon Jae-in, currently on a state visit to Hungary, held a summit with Prime Minister Eduard Heger of the Slovak Republic, who participated in the 2nd V4-Korea Summit in Hungary today. 

The two leaders noted that Korea and Slovakia have steadily developed friendly cooperation in various areas, including political affairs, the economy and culture, since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1993. They exchanged a wide range of views on pending issues of mutual concern such as ways to promote a strategic partnership and expand substantive bilateral cooperation. 

President Moon said, “I was told that Slovakia is referred to as the ‘Tatra Tiger’ for having achieved rapid political and economic development through its success as a transition economy and accession to NATO and the EU. I see great potential for expanding mutual cooperation with Korea, an ‘Asian Tiger.’”

Prime Minister Heger expressed his gratitude, saying that Korean-made COVID-19 diagnostic kits have enabled Slovakia to conduct large-scale testing. The Prime Minister went on to say that Slovakia welcomes investments from Korea – one of its most important inbound investors – and that his country is striving to create an investment-friendly environment. 

Prime Minister Heger added that he would like to see vibrant bilateral cooperation on automobiles – especially electric vehicles – as well as on future industries. The Prime Minister said that he hopes that universities in Slovakia will be able to engage in R&D sector exchanges with Korea. 

President Moon said, “I am grateful to Slovakia for having provided active support for our businesspeople’s special entry permissions and the repatriation of our citizens even during the COVID-19 situation.” The President added, “Our two countries have continued cooperation, for instance, by providing diagnostic kits and medical supplies in the process of responding to COVID-19, and I am pleased that Prime Minister Heger spoke favorably about it.” 

President Moon said, “I look forward to bilateral discussions about expanding cooperation in defense and the defense industry making headway and hope that Korean businesses’ participation in various infrastructure projects will be able to expand our countries’ mutually beneficial cooperation.”

Moreover, President Moon said, “I hope that our two countries’ working holiday agreement will be signed soon to further promote exchanges and mutual understanding between our young people. I look forward to the King Sejong Institute established last year further bolstering bilateral cultural exchanges as interest in the Korean language is growing due to K-pop’s popularity in Slovakia.” 

Prime Minister Heger said that he is deeply interested in the hydrogen economy, including hydrogen-powered vehicles, and that Slovakia wants to work together with Korea, which is at the forefront of this field. President Moon replied that hydrogen is one of the most important energy sources that humanity can choose amid the climate crisis and that Korea would cooperate with Slovakia in hydrogen economy fields.

Prime Minister Heger said that Slovakia wants to emerge once more as the Tatra Tiger through cooperation with those of Korea.

In conclusion, President Moon said, “Slovakia is the V4 chair in the second half of next year, and I look forward to the country's continuing role in the advancement of Korea-V4 relations.”