He took over Orban's role in the EU. Now Moscow is strengthening relations with him

Slovakia resumes the activities of the Russian-Slovak Intergovernmental Commission. According to a Russian government document obtained by the Politico website, the talks in Moscow are to concern energy, but also the situation of Russian athletes.

The meeting, as announced by Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico on Wednesday, is scheduled for November 25. The previous meeting of this body was organized in Bratislava in November 2021, before Russia began its invasion of Ukraine.

Energy in the foreground

A note from Russian Minister of Science and Higher Education Valery Falkov shows that Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar agreed to organize a meeting via video call on August 20.

The document indicates that Bratislava wants to talk primarily about energy issues. Slovakia is to oppose EU plans to stop importing Russian gas.

The agenda also includes deliveries of Russian crude oil via the Druzhba pipeline and nuclear fuel for Slovak power plants.

It should be noted that Slovakia remains heavily dependent on Russian raw materials. Robert Fico has repeatedly argued that a quick end to their import would mean an increase in costs for recipients in his country.

However, the talks in the Russian capital will go beyond energy. According to Politico, the parties want to consider establishing working groups on culture, tourism, agriculture and environmental protection.

The committee will also discuss the situation of Russian athletes who - according to Bratislava and Moscow - are discriminated against in the international arena.

Robert Fico previously met with Vladimir Putin

When asked by Politico about the details of the planned meeting, the Slovak Ministry of Foreign Affairs referred journalists to Juraj Blanar's earlier statements. He said in August that Bratislava pursues a foreign policy focused "in all directions" and maintains dialogue with countries interested in pragmatic cooperation.

The warming of relations with Moscow comes a few months after the May visit of the Slovak Prime Minister to Russia, where he met the Russian President during the Victory Day celebrations.