On Tuesday, January 16, 2024, the Head of ARMA Olena Duma met with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Slovak Republic to Ukraine H.E. Mr. Marek Šafin and Economic Officer Mr. Martin Blaškovič.

 The Head of ARMA informed Mr. Šafin and Mr. Blaškovič on the work of the ARMA, its main functions and powers, in particular in terms of tracing and recovery of assets found abroad. 

“ARMA stands as a fully independent operational institution that has no analogues in the system of public authorities in Ukraine in terms of content, scope of functions and legal status” – mentioned Olena Duma at the meeting. 

Moreover, the Head of ARMA highlighted that in the light of russia’s armed aggression, ARMA recognizes the need to strengthen cooperation with international partners to ensure sustainable institutional development, improve and intensify its activities. Therefore, the participants of the meeting emphasized the importance of effective exchange of experience and best practices, and the Head of ARMA addressed a request to facilitate effective cooperation with a similar to ARMA body in Slovakia by signing a Memorandum of Cooperation.

Given the beginning of Ukraine’s EU accession negotiations, the Deputy Head of ARMA for European Integration, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Grigol Katamadze emphasized the importance of Slovakia’s European integration experience. Mr. Katamadze emphasized that the two countries have much in common and informed about the initiative to introduce a specialized classroom for learning English for ARMA civil servants.

The Ambassador Marek Šafin, in turn, promised to assist in establishing long-term and constructive relations with the Slovak side and emphasized the importance of Ukraine’s European course.

Concluding the meeting, the Head of ARMA Olena Duma thanked the people and the Government of Slovakia for their steadfast position and support in countering russian aggression.