Slovak Deputy PM says Korea is valuable diplomatic partner for Slovakia

Описание: Slovak Deputy Prime Minister Miroslav Lajcak says Korea and Slovakia have become very close friends during their two decades of diplomatic ties.


"They have developed tremendously and it is a success story. Slovakia and Korea are now two close friends who share the same values, promote the same ideas on the global stage."

Speaking with Arirang News on Monday in Seoul, Lajcak said that the two countries boast strong economic cooperation, as many Korean companies see Slovakia as a gateway to the European market.
Slovakia is a landlocked Central European country, bordering the Czech Republic, Austria, Poland, Ukraine and Hungary.


"There are more than 90 companies from the Republic of Korea in Slovakia. They have invested more than 2 billion euros starting with companies like Kia, Hyundai or Samsung and a number of others. Slovakia is the fourth most important partner for Korea in the European Union, and Korea is the sixth trade partner for Slovakia, so your companies have created more than 10-thousand jobs in Slovakia."

Slovakia currently offers tax deductions for foreign investors that operate companies in regions where the jobless rate is higher than average.
The deputy prime minister said further incentives are on the way, such as a one-percent cut in corporate tax by next year.
Lajcak, who also serves as foreign minister, met with his South Korean counterpart Yun Byung-se on Monday to seek ways to expand cooperation, such as in the field of science.


"We are going to create a joint committee that is going to produce ideas about further enhancement of our cooperation in the research development areas, mostly."

During the meeting, Lajcak invited his South Korean partner to visit Slovakia, noting the importance of having regular political exchanges.
He said Slovakia values Korea as an important diplomatic partner because of their similarities.


"First and foremost, we are partners because we promote and defend the same ideas. We are in favor of peace, of democracy, so that means on the global stage, we are sitting side by side, defending the same values and the same interest."

Hwang Sung-hee, Arirang News.