Spanish Kuchyña contingent visits a pediatric hospital in Bratislava

• This meeting strengthens relations between the Spanish Armed Forces and Slovak civil society

A representation of the Spanish contingent deployed in Kuchyña, in a visit organised by the Spanish Embassy in Slovakia, shared a few hours with children victims of trauma and serious accidents requiring surgery and their families at the Paediatric Surgery Clinic in Bratislava.

During the day, the soldiers explained to the children the work of the Spanish Armed Forces in protecting their country. Furthermore, they were given lanterns, provided by the Spanish Ministry of Defence, which were intended to symbolise the light that is needed when the sun disappears and to help a speedy recovery.

Patient care is provided by a civic association called Detská Chirurgia - OZ Slniečko na ceste! (Children's Surgery - ‘Little Sunshine on the Way’), founded by Lenka Tašková from personal experience nine years ago and a group of committed paediatric surgeons.

In the words of Lenka Tašková, ‘the visit of the Spanish military was a message of support and encouragement in difficult times’ and she conveyed her ‘heartfelt thanks for their time today, a very important gesture for us and our patients’.

This meeting not only strengthens integration and understanding between the Spanish Armed Forces and Slovak civil society, but also allows for greater dissemination of the role played by our units in the country, both from a national perspective and within the framework of our collective commitment to our NATO allies.

Corps Forward Element (CFE) of the NRDC-ESP

This operation is a clear demonstration of the active and reliable role that Spain plays in the field of collective security, within the framework of NATO's Deterrence and Defence  (DDA) plans. Carried out in the area of responsibility assigned to NATO's Rapid Deployment Corps Headquarters Spain (NRDC-ESP), this mission reflects Spain's steadfast determination to make an effective and sustained contribution to regional stability on the Alliance's eastern flank.

Through the NRDC-ESP and its Corps Forward Element (CFE) deployed on the ground, Spain assumes key responsibilities in strategic deterrence, operational readiness and multinational cooperation. The presence of the CFE increases and enhances situational awareness and facilitates the necessary contacts with its mandated military authorities.