ISTANBUL

Slovakian Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar on Wednesday reiterated his country’s continued support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and emphasized the urgent need for humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip.

Speaking at a joint press conference in the capital Bratislava after his meeting with visiting Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, Blanar said the talks took place amid a "fragile" ceasefire between Israel and Iran.

He said Slovakia urges both sides to respect international law and exercise maximum restraint.

Stressing the need to deliver humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza, Blanar said Slovakia “consistently supports a two-state solution” as the only viable path to lasting peace.

“A mutually accepted solution between Israel and the Palestinians will help secure lasting stability in the region,” he said.

Blanar also pointed to ongoing talks between Brussels and Israel regarding humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza, calling the efforts “a promising development.”

“We must help those who are suffering in the region,” he added.

Commenting on the EU-Israel Association Agreement, which remains under review by the EU, Blanar said Slovakia would reject any proposals for its suspension.

He stressed the importance of “keeping communication channels open at all times.”

Israel ‘serious’ about Gaza ceasefire

Saar highlighted strong bilateral ties with Slovakia and said the two countries were enhancing cooperation in the field of security.

He claimed that Israel is “serious” about achieving a cease-fire in Gaza, where its forces have killed more than 57,000 Palestinians since October 2023 and rendered it uninhabitable. Talks for a truce in Gaza are underway in Doha.

“If a temporary cease-fire is reached, we are ready to negotiate a permanent one,” he said.

Saar added that Israel prefers to achieve its goals through diplomatic means and called for continued pressure on Hamas.