Germany’s foreign minister, Johann Wadephul, is set to hold talks with Slovakia’s leadership on Tuesday as he continues a multi-day tour of Europe.

In the capital Bratislava, Mr Wadephul is due to meet Prime Minister Robert Fico and Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár, among others.

Mr Fico’s left-wing populist government has frequently criticised European Union sanctions against Moscow and has taken a more Russia-friendly stance than many of Slovakia’s EU and NATO partners.

The talks will focus on the obligations and responsibilities that come with Slovakia’s membership of the EU and NATO, particularly regarding support for Ukraine and relations with Russia. A German Foreign Office spokesman said this.

Mr Wadephul is also heading to the Council of Europe; he is due to visit Strasbourg on Tuesday, where he will address the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and meet several representatives of the organisation.

Germany is one of the Council of Europe’s largest bilateral donors.

Against this backdrop, Mr Wadephul intends to highlight Germany’s commitment to protecting and strengthening human rights, the rule of law and democracy, the Foreign Office said.

(dpa/NAN)