Slovak Prime Minister at NATO HQ

During a joint press point with Prime Minister Dzurinda, Lord Robertson explained that they had discussed many subjects that affect the Euro-Atlantic area and the world today, including terrorism and the efforts to clamp down on terrorist networks, progress in the Balkans, NATO's future relations with Russia and the Alliance's enlargement process.

Lord Robertson explained that NATO membership went beyond purely military considerations such as defence restructuring and modernisation and comprised the acceptance of a value system that included a commitment to democracy, a belief in the rule of law, the respect of ethnic minorities and good neighbourly relations. Mr Dzurinda reiterated that NATO membership was a priority for his country and took this opportunity to stress that every effort was being made by the Slovak Republic to meet the standards set out for membership.