On May 26, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico participated in the Yerevan Dialogue Conference and met with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to discuss expanding bilateral cooperation, regional peace, EU relations, and joint projects in sectors including nuclear energy and defense.

Remarks at Yerevan Dialogue
On May 26, Robert Fico emphasized the importance of the European Union and NATO for Slovakia’s peace, prosperity, and international cooperation during his opening remarks at the Yerevan Dialogue 2025 international conference.
Fico highlighted Slovakia’s political, social, and economic progress through EU membership, while acknowledging his government’s criticism of certain EU policies, notably opposing the European Commission’s recent proposal to halt energy imports from Russia. He warned that this measure could harm Slovakia’s competitiveness and energy security, especially due to the lack of certified alternative fuel for the country’s nuclear reactors. Fico also noted that an escalating trade war with the United States could jeopardize approximately 20,000 Slovak jobs, stressing the automotive industry’s role as the backbone of the economy. Consequently, Slovakia seeks to strengthen trade relations with countries interested in free trade and diversify export markets.
In terms of foreign policy, Fico said Slovakia is building new partnerships worldwide, advancing strategic relations with the Republic of Korea and China, and strengthening ties with India, Indonesia, Japan, and Vietnam. He expressed dissatisfaction with unfair trade practices and trade wars as a small, open, export-oriented economy.
Regarding regional peace, Fico praised Armenia’s leadership in seeking a final peace settlement with Azerbaijan, calling the announcement earlier in 2025 a decisive step toward lasting peace and security. He reaffirmed Slovakia’s readiness to support these efforts, stressing the importance of maintaining momentum and ensuring a smooth conclusion by both sides.
Fico also spoke about the friendly bilateral relations between Slovakia and Armenia, noting their shared Christian heritage and growing trade partnerships. He expressed intent to boost cooperation, especially in nuclear energy, automotive, defense, and tourism sectors. Slovakia is prepared to assist Armenia in deepening relations with the European Union by sharing expertise on market reforms and supporting the Armenia-EU Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement and visa liberalization dialogue. He further endorsed the presence of the EU observation mission in Armenia and praised Armenia’s contribution to stability in the Western Balkans.
Addressing the war in Ukraine, Fico described the immense suffering caused and its global economic impacts. He asserted that there is no military solution to the conflict, supporting former US President Donald Trump’s initiative for a 30-day ceasefire and subsequent peace talks. Fico expressed hope for continued direct negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, emphasizing Slovakia’s interest in stable, democratic neighbors living in peace. Since the conflict began, Slovakia has provided €3.5 billion in aid to Ukraine, ranking among the highest in terms of aid relative to GDP. He confirmed Slovakia’s support for Ukraine’s EU integration if criteria are met.

Meeting with Nikol Pashinyan
On the same day, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico held bilateral talks in Yerevan following the official welcoming ceremony for the Slovak delegation, as reported by the Armenian Government press service.
Prime Minister Pashinyan warmly welcomed Fico and his delegation, highlighting the significant potential for expanding bilateral relations across multiple sectors. He emphasized the importance of the visit as an opportunity to establish a concrete roadmap for future cooperation. Pashinyan expressed gratitude for Slovakia’s support of Armenia’s regional peace agenda, including backing the EU Observation Mission in Armenia and the upcoming European Political Community summit in Armenia next spring.
Fico reciprocated by inviting Pashinyan to visit Slovakia at a convenient time, noting the shared topics of mutual interest and thanking the Armenian side for their hospitality. Both leaders discussed enhancing trade, economic ties, and cooperation in industry, agriculture, energy, and especially nuclear energy.
The Prime Ministers stressed the need to intensify bilateral cooperation, particularly through high-level mutual visits. They exchanged views on Armenia’s EU relations and democratic reforms and reaffirmed support for the ongoing peace process with Azerbaijan. Pashinyan described the progress toward a peace agreement as a historic opportunity and thanked Slovakia for being among the first countries to welcome the draft peace accord, underscoring Slovakia’s anticipation of its signing.
Further discussions included potential collaboration in the military-industrial complex, political dialogue, and visa liberalization efforts with the EU. Fico stressed the strategic importance of developing domestic defense industry capabilities to reduce reliance on external suppliers and noted Slovakia’s use of military funds for infrastructure projects such as hospitals and roads.
Both leaders agreed on cooperation in nuclear energy, citing the similarity of their reactors and shared expertise in managing spent nuclear fuel. Fico expressed appreciation for Pashinyan’s updates on peace negotiations, pledging to relay this information within the EU.
Fico also announced mutual support between Slovakia and Armenia for candidates seeking non-permanent membership on the UN Security Council. He expressed interest in exchanging expertise on EU-related reforms, mentioning Slovakia’s recent public procurement decisions as a model Armenia might consider.
Concluding the press conference, Fico described the visit as successful with clearly defined areas of cooperation and expressed anticipation for Pashinyan’s upcoming visit to Slovakia.