"I am glad to be here today. This is a very special occasion. I especially thank to the Secretary General and the French presidency of the COP 21 for their enormous work. It brought us to the successful outcome of the climate conference.

The adoption of the Paris agreement is a historic milestone. The world has been given a new hope. By signing the agreement we are confirming our determination to act together. Further step should be certainly an early ratification. There is no time to lose because there is a lot of work to be done.

Changes in the way we live are difficult but necessary to secure a liveable planet for the next generations. Reductions of CO2 emissions are not a matter of choice. We know we must be more sustainable in our production and consumption. More energy efficient. Let´s see enormous opportunities in the field of technology change and innovation which present themselves.

We are aware that the Paris agreement will not be easy to implement. While everybody has to contribute we respect that conditions and capacities in every country differ. Those who are the most vulnerable should be helped in their adaptation.

Climate change affects us all in so many ways. We all need to adapt to be more resilient. I am from a small landlocked country, in the Central Europe. The country in the mild climate zone where forests and water resources are plentiful. We are not spared of the climate change impacts coming from rising average air temperatures and more frequent extreme weather events. The last decades were very dry and warm and summer seasons have often brought long-lasting heat waves. What was previously specific for our warmest regions has moved to other parts of the country.

Slovakia takes its share of responsibility. We are part of the climate convention since its adoption in 1992. As a Member of the European Union, we share the ambitious target to cut the greenhouse gas emissions by at least 40% by 2030 compared with 1990 levels. To achieve this common goal Slovakia has reached good results so far while keeping a strong economic growth based on a competitive industry and export-oriented economy. Slovakia is the biggest producer of cars per capita in the world.

Obviously, the desired results can only be achieved through actions and cooperation at all levels. In Slovakia we want to involve all stakeholders, including business and civil society. A broad and open discussion with our public is very important.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Slovakia will start its Presidency of the European Union in less than 3 months. One of our tasks will be in helping to move things forward by focusing on implementing the new climate agreement. All together we can turn our common ambitions into results."