United Arab Emirates (UAE) President Mohamed bin Zayed met with Prime Minister Robert Fico in the Slovak capital Bratislava. The two leaders called for cooperation to ensure maritime security and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the Middle East's most strategic waterways.
According to a joint statement, Mohamed bin Zayed's visit continues the highest-level dialogue following Prime Minister Fico's official visit to the UAE in October 2025. The parties reviewed progress in economic and investment cooperation in light of the outcomes of the second joint economic committee meeting held in Bratislava in June and the implementation of signed agreements.
The parties assessed joint projects in areas with high economic potential such as transport, investment and agriculture, and stressed their determination to enhance cooperation in these fields.
The meeting addressed developments in the Middle East and particularly the repercussions of the situation in the Strait of Hormuz for the region and Europe. The strait is witnessing concerns over disruptions to navigation and global energy supplies due to the renewed escalation of tensions between the US and Iran.
The Slovak side reiterated its support for finding a peaceful solution to the dispute and highlighted the importance of fully implementing UN Security Council Resolution 2817 of 2026. It also stressed the need to restore freedom of navigation and maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, together with the full implementation of the memorandum of understanding signed last July.
Slovakia welcomed the UAE's role in supporting regional and international stability, and expressed the importance of maintaining coordination between the two countries on issues of common interest.
UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed arrived in Slovakia on Wednesday as part of a working visit. According to the UAE's official news agency, he is accompanied by Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Special Affairs Department Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed, Presidential Advisor Mohamed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, and a number of ministers and officials.
