Today, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Janez Janša, addressed the participants of the 13th annual meeting of Slovenian diplomats which mainly focused on the preparations for Slovenia's EU presidency in 2008. In his speech, the PM recollected the achievements of the last 15 years, particularly of the past 12 months, but mainly focused on the challenges that await Slovenia and its diplomacy in the future.

 

(Photo: Primož Lavre/Salomon 2000)

 

Mr Janša stressed that the key tasks of Slovenian diplomacy in 2007 are mainly devoted to preparing for the EU presidency next year. Considerable attention should be paid to further strengthening of economic diplomacy and protection of interests of Slovenian citizens abroad, including taking care of Slovenian minorities living in neighbouring countries, and expatriates.

 

In the past 15 years, Slovenia has strengthened its position in the international community and taken on more responsibilities. "If we were once part of the problem, we are now part of the solution," emphasised the PM. Memberships in the EU and NATO and other international organisations urge Slovenia to play an active role in finding answers to numerous challenges of the modern world. According to Mr Janša, many of them will be on the agenda during Slovenia's presidency of the EU. However, during that time another complex task will have to be tackled – determining what the future of the EU and its constitution will be.

 

PM said that the work of the Slovenian diplomatic corps in 2006 was successful. He stressed that further support will have to be provided to the Slovenian business sector penetrating foreign markets, as Slovenia's economic success is imperative if the country is to enter the elite club of most successful economies. The PM concluded that only in this way Slovenia would maintain and even improve the already benevolent economic situation and the quality of life of its citizens.