On Friday, December 5, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Andrii Sybiha, paid a visit to the Slovak Republic, where he officially opened the Consulate General of Ukraine in Prešov.

The new institution expands Ukraine’s diplomatic presence in Slovakia, offering consular support to about 40,000 Ukrainians in the Košice and Prešov self-governing regions, promoting trade and investment, cultural diplomacy, preserving Ukrainian identity, and strengthening ties between the Ukrainian and Slovak peoples.

The official ceremony was attended by the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovakia, Juraj Blanár, the leadership of the cities of Prešov and Košice, the Prešov and Košice self-governing regions, as well as the Ukrainian community in Slovakia.

In his speech, Andrii Sybiha noted that the opening of the Consulate General creates new opportunities for the development of bilateral relations and enhances support for Ukrainians who have found their second home in Slovakia.

“I am proud to see the Ukrainian flag flying above me here in Prešov, in this wonderful city. It is a symbol and guarantee of friendship between our peoples,” said Andrii Sybiha.

According to the Minister, around 40,000 Ukrainians live in the region, including part of the indigenous Ukrainian community that has historically resided in Slovakia. Ensuring proper citizens’ rights abroad and facilitating access to consular services provided by the state remains a priority for Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovakia Juraj Blanár emphasized: “After the Russian Federation launched its aggression against Ukraine, the Slovak people opened their arms. Almost 2 million Ukrainians passed through Slovakia, but many of them stayed on our lands. We have always been ready to help them.”

Ukraine's Foreign Minister expressed gratitude to the Slovak side for their solidarity and for providing shelter to Ukrainians who had to leave their homes due to Russian aggression.

“You have been with us from the first moments of brutal Russian aggression. You opened your homes and hearts to our people. We greatly value this, and your contribution to our resilience and resistance is invaluable,” added the Minister.

The Minister expressed gratitude for Bratislava’s support in promoting a just peace for Ukraine and all of Europe, and emphasized the need for continued pressure on the aggressor.

Andrii Sybiha highlighted Slovakia’s role in the Civil Shelter Coalition and in providing energy equipment, including 37 generators already delivered to Sumy.

The Ministers also highlighted the dynamic dialogue between the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and the Prime Minister of Slovakia, Robert Fico, as well as recent intergovernmental consultations that yielded concrete results for cooperation between our countries

While in Prešov, Andrii Sybiha met with the Ukrainian community, took part in the opening of the Saturday Ukrainian school “Ukrainian Studies Prešov,” and unveiled a memorial plaque in honour of the prominent Ukrainian philosopher, poet, and educator Hryhorii Skovoroda.

The Consulate General of Ukraine in Prešov will soon begin providing a full range of consular services to Ukrainian citizens within its consular district, covering the Prešov and Košice self-governing regions.