Statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding Slovakia’s withdrawal from a Turkish military exercise with the participation of the occupied part of Cyprus

The Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikos Dendias had a brief meeting today with his Slovak counterpart Ivan Korcok on the sidelines of the informal meeting of the EU Foreign Ministers (Gymnich) in Lisbon.

In this context, the Slovak Minister informed that Slovakia withdrew its participation from the Turkish military exercise Anadolu Ankasi 2021, held from 24.5 to 4.6, due to the participation of the occupied part of Cyprus, emphasizing his country’s commitment to international law and European solidarity.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs welcomed this action and thanked his Slovak counterpart for his swift response.

It is noted that relevant demarches had been made to Slovakia, in coordination with the Cypriot side.