On 27 March 2018, Ambassador of the French Republic in Slovakia, H.E. Mr. Christophe Léonzi gave a lecture at Diplomacy in Practice lecture series. The Ambassador was welcomed by the UEBA’s Rector, Mr. Ferdinand Daňo. The meeting was attended by Mr. Boris Mattoš, Vice-Rector for International Relations and an intern at the French Embassy.

Ambassador Léonzi highlighted good relations between France and Slovakia. Both countries are linked by historical bonds but also the current cooperation in several areas. The UEBA has made a significant contribution to strengthening good relations through cooperation with 45 French universities. UEBA’s faculties in Bratislava offer international French-taught programmes including double degree programmes with Université de Lorraine (Faculty of Commerce) and Université de Strasbourg (Faculty of Business Management), and provide courses of French. This academic year, 77 students from France are studying at the UEBA.

As Ambassador Léonzi stressed in his lecture, SMEs are crucial for the French economy, emphasizing the support for digital economy, but also culture and language. In relation to the European countries, France focuses primarily on building friendly relations and minimizing security threats. In the discussion, students were interested in the labour market and unemployment issues, France's relations with the Russian Federation as well as strengthening the position of the French language in society.

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