BRATISLAVA, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- Another 15 Slovak police officers will help protect the Serbian-Macedonian border, having been dispatched to Serbia on Monday, local news wire TASR reported.
Slovak Interior Minister Robert Kalinak stated that the new mission is part of Slovakia's efforts to lead by example in protecting the EU's external borders.
"I believe that this help will contribute to improving the security situation, which is much better than last year thanks to the measures that have been taken," said Kalinak.
He added that Slovakia had already sent over 300 police officers to protect the EU's external borders over the past year.
"Compared to other countries, our contribution is one of the highest," stressed Kalinak, adding this is a model form of the flexible and effective solidarity via which Slovakia wants to contribute towards Europe's protection.
The police officers are leaving for Serbia based on a bilateral agreement, and they will be followed by colleagues on two further tours of duty.
In all, 45 Slovak police officers will operate on the Serbian-Macedonian border. Slovakia has previously sent police officers to help Macedonia, Hungary and Slovenia, and are currently helping in Bulgaria as well.
Slovakia currently holds presidency of the Council of the EU.
