On September 10, 2025, the new Ambassador of Slovakia to the Czech Republic, Martin Muránsky, together with the Slovak Military Attaché, Brigadier General Branislav Benka, hosted a joint celebration of Slovakia’s National Day and Armed Forces Day in the garden of the Slovak Embassy in Prague. The event attracted a wide range of guests from the Diplomatic Corps, Czech political, economic, and cultural life. Among the most prominent attendees were former Czech Presidents Miloš Zeman and Václav Klaus, the latter historically associated with the peaceful dissolution of Czechoslovakia in 1993.

Highlights of the Event

Ambassador Muránsky opened the event with a speech underlining the deep historical, cultural, and social bonds between Slovaks and Czechs. He stressed that despite differences in today’s politics, the friendship between the two nations remains unshakeable.

Brigadier General Branislav Benka, Slovakia’s Military Attaché in Prague, followed with an address highlighting the role of the Slovak armed forces as a guarantor of sovereignty and national security. He emphasized Slovakia’s commitment to protecting peace, its contributions to regional stability, and the importance of maintaining independent decision-making in defence policy. His words resonated strongly with the audience, linking Slovakia’s military traditions with its modern responsibilities.

The presence of Václav Klaus and Miloš Zeman emphasized the long continuity of Czech–Slovak relations, built on shared statehood and respect for each other’s paths after 1993. Guests also enjoyed Slovak cultural performances and traditional cuisine, reinforcing the celebratory and hospitable atmosphere.

The Absence of the Czech President

This year, one absence was particularly striking: Czech President Petr Pavel did not attend the Slovak National Day celebrations in Prague, breaking with a tradition that had lasted for years.

While the Czech side cited scheduling reasons, observers interpret this as a political gesture. President Pavel has consistently emphasized a hard-line stance on the war in Ukraine and close alignment with Brussels and NATO, even at the expense of regional dialogue. By contrast, Slovakia under Prime Minister Robert Fico has taken a more pragmatic position: focusing on national interests, advocating for peace efforts, and voicing concerns about the social and economic costs of prolonged conflict.

From this perspective, the absence of Petr Pavel is seen less as a neutral omission and more as a signal of distance from Slovakia’s independent course. Many in the diplomatic community regard this as unfortunate, as Czech–Slovak ties traditionally thrive when leaders show mutual respect despite differing positions.

Slovakia’s National Day & Armed Forces Day: A Symbol of Sovereignty

Slovakia’s National Day (Constitution Day), celebrated on September 1, commemorates the adoption of the Slovak Constitution in 1992, laying the groundwork for the Slovak Republic after the peaceful dissolution of Czechoslovakia in 1993. Armed Forces Day, also in early September, honors the Slovak military and its role in defending independence and contributing to security.

By celebrating both occasions together, Slovakia sends a clear message: sovereignty is inseparable from the ability to make sovereign choices, not only in defence but also in foreign policy.

Czech–Slovak Relations: Shared Roots, Different Paths

– Enduring Bonds: Both nations share language, history, families, and economic ties. Slovaks are the largest minority community in Czechia, and cooperation in trade, education, and culture remains robust.
– Different Policies: The divergence lies mainly in foreign policy. President Pavel has chosen a strongly confrontational line toward Russia, fully aligning with the EU’s sanctions strategy. By contrast, Prime Minister Fico emphasizes pragmatism, dialogue, and prioritizing Slovakia’s internal stability over external posturing.
– Balanced Diplomacy: Many see Slovakia’s stance as a voice of reason in Central Europe—calling for peace initiatives and questioning policies that may prolong conflict without clear results.

Significance of the 2025 Celebration

The 2025 Slovak National Day and Armed Forces Day reception in Prague highlighted both the enduring friendship and the emerging challenges in Czech–Slovak relations.

The attendance of former Czech Presidents Klaus and Zeman reinforced historical continuity, while the absence of the current Czech President pointed to present diplomatic tensions. Yet the event also showed resilience: diplomats, business leaders, and cultural figures from both countries gathered in large numbers, reaffirming that ties go beyond current politics.

Conclusion

The celebration at the Slovak Embassy was a symbolic mirror of the state of Czech–Slovak relations in 2025: strong bonds rooted in shared history, but tested by new political realities. Ambassador Martin Muránsky and Brigadier General Branislav Benka underlined pride in Slovakia’s sovereignty, its armed forces, and its independent foreign policy.

While Czech President Petr Pavel’s absence was notable, it also revealed the growing contrast: Slovakia insists on an independent, pragmatic path, while Prague’s head of state follows a more rigid and externally driven line.

The event thus served not only as a celebration of Slovak statehood, but also as a reminder that Central Europe benefits when nations respect each other’s choices. Slovakia’s position—valuing peace, dialogue, and national interest—may ultimately prove the more sustainable course.