President Isaac Herzog began a state visit to Slovakia this morning, (Monday,) as he was received by Slovakia’s President Zuzana Čaputová in a state ceremony at the Grassalkovich Palace, ahead of a bilateral diplomatic meeting. As per local tradition, upon arrival, the President partook in the symbolic dipping bread in salt before the anthems of both nations were played, and the presidents together reviewed a guard of honor in the forecourt of the Slovakian Presidential Palace. President Herzog then signed the official guest book.

In their meeting, the presidents discussed the shared importance with which both countries viewed their bilateral relations, and ways to increase and expand areas of cooperation.

President Herzog thanked President Čaputová for her true friendship, and emphasized the importance of relations between the countries. The extended bilateral meeting included the participation of Members of the Knesset, Yifat Shasha-Biton and Boaz Bismuth.

Following their meeting, the presidents together made statements to the media.

President Herzog expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome he had received and spoke of the long history between the two peoples. He said, “Madam President, the Jewish people have deep roots in this beautiful land. Slovakia was a flourishing Jewish home for the cultural and religious growth of our people - and we will never forget it. But it was not only prosperity and growth that we knew here. Also, the darkest horrors which resulted in the destruction of many Jewish communities in the terrible Holocaust. I thank you, Madam President, for your deep commitment to this subject, and for how Slovakia works to deal with its difficult past during the Second World War and the Holocaust, while acknowledging honestly and openly its actions during those horrific days.”

He stressed, “I welcome the important and concerted efforts of Slovakia to eradicate antisemitism and Holocaust denial which raise their ugly heads and threaten the values of morality, justice, and human dignity in Slovakia and across Europe.”

President Herzog noted, “Israel and Slovakia share a firm friendship, and over time we have faced significant challenges based on shared values and mutual trust. An example of the partnership between our countries, which speaks to the world of values we share, is the excellent cooperation between us on the vital humanitarian aid under the shadow of the unfolding human tragedy not far from here in Ukraine. We view you as partners on a promising path for a shared future. I hope that my visit here will contribute to more and more collaborations in economic, cultural, academic, scientific and other fields. Because I believe that the partnership between our countries holds huge potential for our people and humanity as a whole.”

He added, “As you know, Madam President, we are in a period of change across the Middle East. The line in the sand between the elements of darkness, hatred, and terrorism, and the forces of light, progress, peace and friendship are clearer today than ever before. I welcome Slovakia’s support for Israel in these essential issues, and your determined and firm stance on the right side of this critical political equation. I call on more countries, from across Europe, to follow in your footsteps.”

Focusing on the shared importance the two leaders placed on the issue of the environment and the climate, President Herzog noted, “Madam President, it is no secret that you started your path in public service, as a passionate activist for the protection of the environment. For many years, you lead a long public struggle for the quality of life in your city, and even today you attach great and welcome importance to combating the climate crisis. This is a common denominator that I am proud to share with you. From the day I assumed my position as President of the State of Israel, I set preparation for the climate crisis and its consequences as one of the main topics of my focus, and I deal with it a lot – from an Israeli perspective, from a regional perspective in the Middle East, and from the global perspective. I would love for our countries to cooperate regarding this important issue. I invite you to take part in the Climate Forum of Israel’s President's Office as an international leader in the field.”

He concluded, “I thank you again for the hospitality, Madam President, and I am sure that the relationship between us and between our countries will only deepen and strengthen following my visit here.”

Slovakia’s President Čaputová welcomed the President and his delegation and said, “It is my pleasure to welcome you especially in this particular year, when both of our states celebrated an anniversary of their establishment: seventy-five years for Israel, and thirty years for Slovakia. The diplomatic relationship between our countries is an active one and has been for three decades. However, the people-to-people contact has been going on for much longer and is much deeper.”

She noted, “Our joint meeting today wasn't however, only about the past, we have also discussed the present and the future of our bilateral relations. We agreed there are multiple areas where these relations could be even deeper. We have discussed for example, the issue of energy, renewable resources, but also gas supplies because it is very important for Slovakia to diversify the source of these energy supplies and Israel could be a very good partner for Slovakia in this field.

She stressed, “I would also very much like to strengthen our cooperation in other areas apart from the green transition, such as in the fields of science, defense, and innovation,” and added, “I am very glad that since April, we have reestablished a direct flight connection between Slovakia and Israel.”

President Čaputová noted, “We also touched upon the situation in our regions including the impact of the Russian aggression in Ukraine. Israel has similarly to other countries like Slovakia and more than 114 other countries condemned Russian aggression.”