Taipei: Former Slovak Foreign Minister Ivan Korcok has asserted that enhancing defense budgets is crucial to safeguarding national sovereignty against Russian threats. Korcok, who was the runner-up in Slovakia's 2024 presidential election, emphasized the importance of prioritizing national security over other budgetary concerns during a recent interview.According to Focus Taiwan, Korcok, now serving as the vice chair of Slovakia's opposition Progressive Slovakia party, expressed his party's intent to strengthen ties with Taiwan and collaborate on Ukraine's postwar reconstruction if they regain power. Addressing concerns from Taiwan's opposition lawmakers about the impact of increased defense spending on economic development and social welfare, Korcok highlighted the changed geopolitical environment following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, stating, "Security matters most now."Korcok dismissed the idea that governments must choose between defense and domestic priorities, advocating for leadership in increasi ng defense to protect national sovereignty. Fellow Progressive Slovakia lawmaker Štefan Kišš, an economist, argued for a focus on economic growth, suggesting that increased income would provide more resources for the country. Kišš also noted their visit to Taiwan aimed to enhance economic cooperation.Korcok, who served as Slovakia's foreign minister from 2020 to 2022, ran for the presidency in 2024 but lost in a runoff against Peter Pellegrini. Having joined the Progressive Slovakia party in November 2024, he is currently visiting Taiwan to attend the Ketagalan Forum, an event focused on Indo-Pacific security.During his visit, Korcok expressed admiration for the Taiwanese people's determination to maintain their autonomy. He also stated that a future Progressive Slovakia government would reverse Slovakia's pro-Russian policies and increase support for Ukraine. Slovakia, sharing a border with Ukraine, plans to collaborate with Taiwan and Indo-Pacific partners on Ukraine's reconstruction once peace is resto red.