Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said on Saturday that Slovakia will not participate in NATO's new 70-billion-euro military funding commitment for Ukraine, according to a report by Russia's TASS News Agency.
Multiple media outlets have previously reported that NATO members are expected to pledge 70 billion euros in military aid to Ukraine at the NATO heads of state and government summit, scheduled for July 7-8.
In response, Fico said he has ordered the Slovak delegation to stay out of any plan to provide military support to Ukraine.
Slovakia not to join NATO military aid for Ukraine
Slovakia not to join NATO military aid for Ukraine
Shanghai has long been known for its landmarks and cuisine, but this summer, a growing number of international tourists are adding something unexpected to their itineraries: prescription glasses.
With competitive prices, a vast selection of styles, and turnaround times as fast as a few dozen minutes, the city's eyewear industry is going viral on overseas social platforms and emerging as a fresh driver of inbound tourism spending.
At the city's glasses markets, international shoppers are now a common sight, browsing frames and consulting staff about lenses, many holding up photos on their phones for reference.
"The glasses are more expensive in our country, like twice the price. We saw that they have pretty quality lenses also," said an American tourist.
Mr. Wang, who has worked as an optometrist for nearly 50 years, said that there have been a growing number of international customers since the beginning of this year.
Wang, an optometrist with nearly 50 years of experience, said he has clearly felt the surge in demand.
"This year, the number of inbound tourists has increased by around 40 percent from previous years, especially during the weekend. Many of them got multifocal lenses so that they can can see both far and near," said Wang.
"Glasses are more expensive in our country, like twice the price," said an American tourist. "We saw that they have pretty quality lenses, too."
The rising footfall is even more visible on the shop floor. In recent days, a store that has operated for 20 years received three or four groups of foreign tourists within a single hour.
"In the past we mainly serve foreign enterprises. Now, most of the visitors are tourists. The number of inbound visitors this year is three to four times higher than in previous years," said Tong Qingying, owner of the store.
Beyond affordability - most glasses sell for between 300 and 800 yuan (roughly 40 U.S. dollars to 110 U.S. dollars ) - speed is a major draw. After a customer completes an eye exam and picks a frame, staff retrieve the appropriate lenses from inventory, then cut and assemble them on-site. Thanks to Shanghai's mature industrial ecosystem and abundant supply chains, a finished pair can be ready in as little as 30 minutes.
An Italian tourist marveled at the efficiency: "Sometimes they took about one week to prepare one glasses, and here, in just 30 minutes, you're ready. That's great!"
The word has spread rapidly through social media.
"Some bloggers will post on TikTok. International guests will write good comments. Maybe big data thus forms, and our reputation is quite good," said Tong.
Shanghai's speedy, affordable eyewear services become hit with int'l tourists
