2004 Press Releases

The inaugural meeting of the U.S.-Slovakia working group on consular issues

Bratislava, October 1, 2004

The inaugural meeting of the U.S. - Slovakia working group on consular issues took place on October 1, 2004. Ľubor Bystrický, the head of Consular Affairs in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, led the Slovak delegation. Daniel Smith, the Principal Deputy Secretary of State for Consular Affairs, headed the U.S. delegation.

The Slovak-American bilateral consular working group was set up during the recent visit of Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage to Slovakia and will discuss how to resolve consular and visa issues of mutual interest.

During the first meeting the working group focused on the issues that the working group would address, including further simplification in procedures for applying for both U.S. and Slovak visas and temporary stay permits.

Both sides welcomed the creation of this working group, which will meet in Bratislava on a quarterly basis to provide a forum to address matters of mutual concern, and expressed their conviction that its activities will lead to the further improvement of our bilateral relationship.